Frost dates for 94801 — Richmond, CA
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 0 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Richmond compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Richmond fall between January 2 and January 4. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 11, or the last frost as late as January 26.
- Compared with Berkeley, CA, 11 km away, the last frost here is 1 day later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 14 |
| 50% (median) | January 4 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | January 26 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 11 |
| 50% (median) | January 2 |
| 90% (late) | January 22 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Gardening where frost is rare
Richmond, CA only freezes on a few winter nights, so the usual "plant after the last frost" rule doesn't apply. Heat and rainfall decide the seasons instead:
- Cool-season crops (lettuce, broccoli, peas, carrots) grow best from fall through late winter.
- Warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash) do best planted in late winter to spring, and again in late summer for a fall crop — midsummer heat can stop tomatoes setting fruit.
- Heat lovers (okra, sweet potatoes, melons) can be planted through spring and early summer.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Richmond, CA weather station, 3 km away (elevation 20 ft (6 m)).
ZIP codes in Richmond: 94801 94802 94804 94805 94807 94808 94850
Frost dates near Richmond
- San Pablo Jan 4 · Jan 2
- El Cerrito Jan 3 · Jan 1
- El Sobrante Jan 4 · Jan 2
- Albany Jan 3 · Jan 1
- Pinole Jan 4 · Jan 2
- San Quentin Jan 16 · Dec 18
- Belvedere Tiburon Jan 4 · Jan 2
- Berkeley Jan 3 · Jan 1
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Richmond, CA?
The median last spring frost in Richmond, CA is January 4. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after January 26, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Richmond, CA?
The median first fall frost is January 2, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 11.
How long is the growing season in Richmond, CA?
About 363 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Richmond, CA?
Richmond, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.