Last frost date in Petaluma, CA
Expect the last frost in Petaluma around February 28. Frost after April 6 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 25, which leaves 271 frost-free days. An early freeze before November 9 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Apr 6
- Average first frost
- Nov 25
- Frost-free season
- 271 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Jan 17
No frost in the next 6 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2245°
- FriOct 2340°
- SatOct 2441°
- SunOct 2544°
- MonOct 2644°
- TueOct 2744°
Planting calendar for Petaluma
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across California.
TomatoesMar 7–Mar 21
PumpkinsMar 14–Mar 28
SunflowersFeb 28–Mar 21
CucumbersMar 14–Mar 21
CornMar 7–Mar 21
Sweet potatoesMar 21–Apr 4
WatermelonMar 14–Mar 28
Green beansMar 7–Mar 28
ZucchiniMar 7–Mar 21
OkraMar 21–Apr 4
PeppersMar 14–Mar 28
BasilMar 7–Mar 21
Butternut squashMar 7–Mar 21
CantaloupeMar 14–Mar 28
EggplantMar 14–Mar 28
PotatoesJan 31–Feb 14
OnionsJan 17–Feb 7
CarrotsFeb 7–Mar 14
LettuceFeb 14–Mar 7
BroccoliJan 31–Feb 14
BeetsJan 31–Mar 14
PeasJan 17–Jan 31
CabbageJan 31–Feb 14
RadishesJan 24–Mar 7
Brussels sproutsFeb 14–Feb 28
SpinachJan 17–Feb 7
CilantroFeb 14–Mar 7
KaleJan 31–Feb 14
Collard greensJan 31–Feb 14
TurnipsJan 31–Feb 14
DillFeb 28–Mar 14
CeleryMar 7–Mar 14
CauliflowerFeb 14–Feb 28
LeeksFeb 14–Feb 28
Swiss chardFeb 14–Mar 14
ParsleyFeb 14–Mar 7
Tulip bulbsNov 11–Dec 15
GarlicOct 15–Nov 30
Daffodil bulbsOct 15–Nov 30
StrawberriesJan 31–Feb 14
AsparagusJan 31–Feb 14Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Jan 24 | Feb 28 | Apr 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 25 | Dec 16 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Dec 17 | Jan 17 | Feb 24 | Nov 20 | Dec 9 | Jan 12 |
Read the spring 10% column as the date after which only one year in ten still gets frost. That is the safer date for tomatoes, peppers and basil.
Where these numbers come from
NOAA station Petaluma Airport (USC00046826) sits 1.6 miles from the center of Petaluma at 20 feet. Its averages cover 1991 to 2020. Low spots, valleys and open fields can keep getting frost a week or two after the station stops; city centers and lakeshores usually get less of it.
Questions
When is the last frost in Petaluma, CA?
The average last frost date in Petaluma is February 28, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after April 6.
When is the first frost in Petaluma?
The first frost in fall usually comes around November 25. One year in ten it arrives before November 9.
How long is the growing season in Petaluma?
About 271 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Petaluma?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from March 7 to March 21. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in California
- Rohnert ParkFeb 25
- NovatoJan 11
- Santa RosaFeb 25
- NapaFeb 12
- San RafaelJan 11
- American CanyonMar 5
- VallejoJan 17
- WindsorMar 2
- HerculesJan 17
- RichmondJan 4
- San PabloJan 4
- BeniciaJan 17