Frost dates for 95138 — San Jose, CA
How San Jose compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in San Jose falls between April 7 and June 5, a 59-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 22 and December 12.
- The median last frost is 33 days later than the California median of Mar 31.
- Its 199-day growing season is longer than 34% of the 636 California places with a regular frost season (state median 235 days).
- The last frost is 72 days later than the zone 9b median of Feb 20. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 9b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 45 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 7 |
| 50% (median) | May 3 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | June 5 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 22 |
| 50% (median) | November 18 |
| 90% (late) | December 12 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for San Jose, CA
Frost dates for 95138 — San Jose, CA — last frost May 3, first frost Nov 18, zone 9b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in San Jose, CA
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | May 17 – May 31 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | May 17 – May 31 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | May 10 – May 24 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Apr 5 – May 10 | Sep 23 – Oct 21 |
| Kale | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Sep 9 – Sep 30 |
| Broccoli | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | Apr 19 – May 3 | — | Aug 12 – Sep 2 |
| Cabbage | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | — | Aug 12 – Sep 2 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | Apr 19 – May 3 | — | Aug 12 – Sep 2 |
| Okra | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | May 24 – Jun 7 | May 24 – Jun 7 | — |
| Basil | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | May 10 – May 24 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 22 – Apr 12 | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 22 – Apr 12 | Sep 23 – Oct 14 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 29 – May 10 | Oct 7 – Oct 28 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 5 – Apr 12 | May 17 – May 24 | May 10 – May 24 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 5 – Apr 12 | — | May 10 – May 24 | Sep 9 – Sep 23 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 5 – Apr 12 | — | May 10 – May 24 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 5 – Apr 12 | May 17 – May 31 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 12 – May 10 | Aug 26 – Sep 9 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 12 – May 10 | Sep 9 – Sep 23 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 12 – May 3 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 19 – May 17 | Sep 9 – Sep 23 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 19 – May 10 | Sep 23 – Oct 14 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 10 – May 31 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 10 – May 24 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 17 – Jun 7 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 4 – Dec 9 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Mt Hamilton, CA weather station, 15 km away (elevation 4,206 ft (1,282 m)).
ZIP codes in San Jose: 95025 95101 95103 95106 95108 95109 95110 95111 95112 95113 95115 95116 95117 95118 95119 95120 95121 95122 95123 95124 95125 95126 95127 95128 95129 95130 95131 95132 95133 95134 95135 95136 95138 95139 95141 95148 95150 95151 95152 95153 95154 95155 95156 95157 95158 95159 95160 95161 95164 95170 95172 95173 95190 95191 95192 95193 95194 95196
Frost dates near San Jose
- Coyote May 3 · Nov 18
- New Almaden Feb 2 · Dec 6
- Mount Hamilton May 3 · Nov 18
- Morgan Hill Feb 24 · Nov 27
- Campbell Feb 2 · Dec 6
- Los Gatos Feb 2 · Dec 6
- Santa Clara Jan 12 · Dec 22
- Milpitas Jan 12 · Dec 22
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in San Jose, CA?
The median last spring frost in San Jose, CA is May 3. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after June 5, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in San Jose, CA?
The median first fall frost is November 18, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 22.
How long is the growing season in San Jose, CA?
About 199 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is San Jose, CA?
San Jose, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.