Frost dates for 95141 — San Jose, CA
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 2 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How San Jose compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in San Jose fall between December 25 and January 2. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 4, or the last frost as late as January 23.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 14 |
| 50% (median) | January 2 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | January 23 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 4 |
| 50% (median) | December 25 |
| 90% (late) | January 14 |
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
San Jose, 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, about 1 km away (elevation 66 ft (20 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
- Santa Clara Jan 12 · Dec 22
- Campbell Feb 2 · Dec 6
- Milpitas Jan 12 · Dec 22
- Alviso Jan 6 · Dec 23
- Sunnyvale Jan 6 · Dec 23
- Cupertino Jan 6 · Dec 23
- Saratoga Feb 2 · Dec 6
- Los Gatos Feb 2 · Dec 6
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in San Jose, CA?
The median last spring frost in San Jose, CA is January 2. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after January 23, 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 December 25, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 4.
How long is the growing season in San Jose, CA?
About 357 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.