Frost dates for Berkeley, California
In a typical year, Berkeley’s last spring frost lands around Jan 3 and the first fall frost around Jan 1, a growing season of about 363 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 10a.
Right now the growing season is open, with about 68 days until the typical first fall frost.
| Odds | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 percent | Dec 14 | Dec 10 |
| 50 percent | Jan 3 | Jan 1 |
| 90 percent | Feb 14 | Jan 29 |
A 10 percent year is an early year, a 90 percent year a late one. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the 90 percent side of the last-frost band.
Soil in Berkeley is typically around 61°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.
Plantable now in Berkeley
- Radish (Cherry Belle)
- Lettuce (Buttercrunch)
- Beet (Detroit Dark Red)
- Spinach (Space)
- Swiss chard (Bright Lights)
- Kale (Lacinato)
- Bok choy (Joi Choi)
- Pea (Sugar Ann)
Timing comes from the same temperature engine the app uses, run against Berkeley’s normals for today.
Common questions
When is the last frost in Berkeley, California?
Berkeley’s last spring frost falls around January 3 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by December 14, and one year in ten frost holds on until February 14. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.
When is the first fall frost in Berkeley?
The first fall frost arrives around January 1 in a typical year, as early as December 10 in an early year and as late as January 29 in a late one.
How long is the growing season in Berkeley?
About 363 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.
What USDA zone is Berkeley in?
Berkeley is in USDA hardiness zone 10a under the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Dates come from 30-year NOAA climate normals for the nearest reporting station. They describe odds, not a forecast.
Nearby cities
- Oakland, CA (around Jan 3 to Jan 1)
- Richmond, CA (around Jan 4 to Jan 2)
- San Francisco, CA (around Dec 30 to Dec 25)
- Concord, CA (around Jan 9 to Dec 14)
- Vallejo, CA (around Jan 17 to Dec 27)
Row & Bed is a plant reference built around your garden: your zone, your frost dates, your forecast, and a cited page for every variety in your beds.
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