Frost dates for 95056 — Santa Clara, 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 Santa Clara compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Santa Clara fall between December 22 and January 12. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 1, or the last frost as late as February 14.
- Compared with Sunnyvale, CA, 6 km away, the last frost here is 6 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 20 |
| 50% (median) | January 12 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 14 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 1 |
| 50% (median) | December 22 |
| 90% (late) | January 20 |
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
Santa Clara, 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 Jose, CA weather station, 6 km away (elevation 52 ft (16 m)).
ZIP codes in Santa Clara: 95050 95051 95052 95053 95054 95055 95056
Frost dates near Santa Clara
- Alviso Jan 6 · Dec 23
- Sunnyvale Jan 6 · Dec 23
- Milpitas Jan 12 · Dec 22
- Mountain View Jan 6 · Dec 23
- San Jose Jan 2 · Dec 25
- Cupertino Jan 6 · Dec 23
- Campbell Feb 2 · Dec 6
- Los Altos Jan 6 · Dec 23
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Santa Clara, CA?
The median last spring frost in Santa Clara, CA is January 12. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 14, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Santa Clara, CA?
The median first fall frost is December 22, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 1.
How long is the growing season in Santa Clara, CA?
About 344 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Santa Clara, CA?
Santa Clara, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.