Last frost date in Santa Clara, CA
The average last frost in Santa Clara is January 12. By February 14 the chance of another 32°F night drops to 1 in 10. The first fall frost usually arrives about December 22, which leaves 347 frost-free days. An early freeze before December 1 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Feb 14
- Average first frost
- Dec 22
- Frost-free season
- 347 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Dec 31
No frost in the next 6 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2250°
- FriOct 2344°
- SatOct 2449°
- SunOct 2550°
- MonOct 2649°
- TueOct 2749°
Planting calendar for Santa Clara
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 15–Dec 29
OnionsDec 1–Dec 22
CarrotsDec 22–Jan 26
LettuceDec 29–Jan 19
BroccoliDec 15–Dec 29
BeetsDec 15–Jan 26
PeasDec 1–Dec 15
CabbageDec 15–Dec 29
RadishesDec 8–Jan 19
Brussels sproutsDec 29–Jan 12
SpinachDec 1–Dec 22
CilantroDec 29–Jan 19
KaleDec 15–Dec 29
Collard greensDec 15–Dec 29
TurnipsDec 15–Dec 29
DillJan 12–Jan 26
CeleryJan 19–Jan 26
CauliflowerDec 29–Jan 12
LeeksDec 29–Jan 12
Swiss chardDec 29–Jan 26
ParsleyDec 29–Jan 19
Tulip bulbsDec 15–Jan 15
GarlicOct 15–Nov 30
Daffodil bulbsOct 15–Nov 30
StrawberriesDec 15–Dec 29
AsparagusDec 15–Dec 29Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Dec 20 | Jan 12 | Feb 14 | Dec 1 | Dec 22 | Jan 20 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Dec 10 | Dec 31 | Jan 17 | Dec 6 | Dec 28 | Jan 14 |
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 San Jose (USW00023293) sits 2.4 miles from the center of Santa Clara at 51 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 Santa Clara, CA?
The average last frost date in Santa Clara is January 12, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after February 14.
When is the first frost in Santa Clara?
The first frost in fall usually comes around December 22. One year in ten it arrives before December 1.
How long is the growing season in Santa Clara?
About 347 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Santa Clara?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from February 15 to March 1. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.