Last frost date in Santa Clara, California

January 12

Average last frost in spring. In an early year (1 in 10) it's over by December 20; in a late year (1 in 10) it comes after February 14.

December 22

Average first frost in fall. 1 year in 10 it comes by December 1.

A 32°F night happens here about 8 years in 10; in those years these are the usual dates.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station San Jose (USW00023293), 2.4 miles from Santa Clara, elevation 51 ft. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. These are long-term averages, not a forecast.

This station is also the nearest one for Milpitas, so its frost dates are the same as Santa Clara's.

What to plant now

Frost dates for Santa Clara, California
Early yearAverageLate year
Last frost in springDec 20Jan 12Feb 14
First frost in fallDec 1Dec 22Jan 20

Frost-free days in an average year: 347

Light frost, frost and hard freeze in Santa Clara
Chance in a yearAverage last in springAverage first in fall
Light frost (36°F)10 years in 10Feb 12Dec 3
Frost (32°F)8 years in 10Jan 12Dec 22
Hard freeze (28°F)2 years in 10Dec 31Dec 28

Nights at 32°F or colder in an average year: 3.2

What to plant now in Santa Clara

Planting dates: USDA Home and Garden Bulletin No. 9 (1967), “Suburban and Farm Vegetable Gardens,” tables 4 and 5. How we match the table.

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