Frost dates for 94998 — Novato, 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 Novato compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Novato 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.
- Novato shares its weather station with San Rafael, CA, 13 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
Novato, 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, 14 km away (elevation 121 ft (37 m)).
ZIP codes in Novato: 94945 94947 94948 94949 94998
Frost dates near Novato
- San Rafael Jan 11 · Dec 21
- Nicasio Jan 11 · Dec 21
- Woodacre Jan 11 · Dec 21
- San Geronimo Jan 11 · Dec 21
- Fairfax Jan 11 · Dec 21
- San Anselmo Jan 16 · Dec 18
- Petaluma Feb 28 · Nov 25
- Forest Knolls Jan 11 · Dec 21
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Novato, CA?
The median last spring frost in Novato, 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 Novato, 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 Novato, CA?
About 344 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Novato, CA?
Novato, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.