Last frost date in Richmond, CA
In Richmond, the last spring frost comes around January 4 in an average year. Wait until January 26 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about January 2, which leaves 365 frost-free days. An early freeze before December 11 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Jan 26
- Average first frost
- Jan 2
- Frost-free season
- 365 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- rare
No frost in the next 6 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2253°
- FriOct 2351°
- SatOct 2451°
- SunOct 2553°
- MonOct 2652°
- TueOct 2753°
Planting calendar for Richmond
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across California.
TomatoesFeb 15–Mar 1
PumpkinsFeb 15–Mar 1
SunflowersFeb 15–Mar 8
CucumbersFeb 22–Mar 1
CornFeb 15–Mar 1
Sweet potatoesFeb 15–Mar 1
WatermelonFeb 15–Mar 1
Green beansFeb 15–Mar 8
ZucchiniFeb 15–Mar 1
OkraFeb 15–Mar 1
PeppersFeb 15–Mar 1
BasilFeb 15–Mar 1
Butternut squashFeb 15–Mar 1
CantaloupeFeb 15–Mar 1
EggplantFeb 15–Mar 1
PotatoesDec 7–Dec 21
OnionsNov 23–Dec 14
CarrotsDec 14–Jan 18
LettuceDec 21–Jan 11
BroccoliDec 7–Dec 21
BeetsDec 7–Jan 18
PeasNov 23–Dec 7
CabbageDec 7–Dec 21
RadishesNov 30–Jan 11
Brussels sproutsDec 21–Jan 4
SpinachNov 23–Dec 14
CilantroDec 21–Jan 11
KaleDec 7–Dec 21
Collard greensDec 7–Dec 21
TurnipsDec 7–Dec 21
DillJan 4–Jan 18
CeleryJan 11–Jan 18
CauliflowerDec 21–Jan 4
LeeksDec 21–Jan 4
Swiss chardDec 21–Jan 18
ParsleyDec 21–Jan 11
Tulip bulbsDec 15–Jan 15
GarlicOct 15–Nov 30
Daffodil bulbsOct 15–Nov 30
StrawberriesDec 7–Dec 21
AsparagusDec 7–Dec 21Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Dec 14 | Jan 4 | Jan 26 | Dec 11 | Jan 2 | Jan 22 |
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 Richmond (USC00047414) sits 2.5 miles from the center of Richmond 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 Richmond, CA?
The average last frost date in Richmond is January 4, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after January 26.
When is the first frost in Richmond?
The first frost in fall usually comes around January 2. One year in ten it arrives before December 11.
How long is the growing season in Richmond?
About 365 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Richmond?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from February 15 to March 1. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in California
- San PabloJan 4
- El CerritoJan 3
- HerculesJan 17
- BerkeleyJan 3
- San RafaelJan 11
- VallejoJan 17
- NovatoJan 11
- MartinezFeb 28
- LafayetteJan 7
- BeniciaJan 17
- Oaklandno frost
- Pleasant HillJan 7