Frost Dates for Palo Alto, CA
In Palo Alto, CA, the average last spring frost is around Feb 1 and the average first fall frost around Dec 7, for a growing season of about 310 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Mar 4, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Palo Alto, CA weather station, 3 miles away, elevation 25 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.
Frost probability by date
Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.
| Chance | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Mar 4 | Nov 20 |
| 20% | Feb 24 | Nov 26 |
| 30% | Feb 14 | Dec 1 |
| 40% | Feb 7 | Dec 3 |
| 50% | Feb 1 | Dec 7 |
| 60% | Jan 25 | Dec 11 |
| 70% | Jan 16 | Dec 16 |
| 80% | Jan 7 | Dec 25 |
| 90% | Dec 28 | Jan 6 |
Light frost vs. hard freeze
Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.
| Temperature | Last in spring | First in fall |
|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Mar 11 | Nov 21 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Feb 1 | Dec 7 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Jan 4 | Dec 22 |
Planting calendar for Palo Alto
Transplant Feb 8 – Feb 22
Transplant Feb 15 – Mar 1
Transplant Feb 15 – Mar 1
Transplant Feb 8 – Feb 22
Sow or transplant Feb 8 – Feb 22
Sow or transplant Feb 8 – Feb 22
Sow or transplant Feb 15 – Mar 1
Sow or transplant Jan 4 – Jan 18
Fall sowing Oct 12 – Nov 9
Fall sowing Oct 12 – Nov 2
Fall sowing Sep 28 – Oct 12
Sow or transplant Jan 4 – Jan 18
Fall sowing Sep 28 – Oct 26
Transplant Jan 18 – Feb 1
Fall sowing Sep 14 – Sep 28
Transplant Jan 11 – Jan 25
Fall sowing Sep 14 – Sep 28
Fall sowing Sep 14 – Sep 28
Fall sowing Oct 26 – Nov 16
Fall sowing Sep 28 – Oct 12
Plant Jan 4 – Jan 18
Based on the average last frost (Feb 1) and first frost (Dec 7). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.