Frost dates for 94930 — Fairfax, CA
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 3 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Fairfax compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Fairfax fall between December 21 and January 11. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 2, or the last frost as late as February 25.
- Fairfax shares its weather station with San Rafael, CA, 5 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 14 |
| 50% (median) | January 11 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 25 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 2 |
| 50% (median) | December 21 |
| 90% (late) | February 9 |
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
Fairfax, 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 San Rafael Civic Ctr, CA weather station, 5 km away (elevation 121 ft (37 m)).
ZIP codes in Fairfax: 94930 94978
Frost dates near Fairfax
- San Anselmo Jan 16 · Dec 18
- Woodacre Jan 11 · Dec 21
- Ross Jan 16 · Dec 18
- San Rafael Jan 11 · Dec 21
- Kentfield Jan 16 · Dec 18
- San Geronimo Jan 11 · Dec 21
- Greenbrae Jan 16 · Dec 18
- Larkspur Jan 16 · Dec 18
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Fairfax, CA?
The median last spring frost in Fairfax, CA is January 11. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 25, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Fairfax, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 21, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 2.
How long is the growing season in Fairfax, CA?
About 344 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Fairfax, CA?
Fairfax, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.