Frost Dates for Saratoga, CA
In Saratoga, CA, the average last spring frost is around Feb 2 and the average first fall frost around Dec 6, for a growing season of about 310 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Mar 14, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Los Gatos, CA weather station, 4 miles away, elevation 365 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 14 | Nov 16 |
| 20% | Feb 28 | Nov 24 |
| 30% | Feb 17 | Nov 28 |
| 40% | Feb 9 | Dec 2 |
| 50% | Feb 2 | Dec 6 |
| 60% | Jan 27 | Dec 11 |
| 70% | Jan 19 | Dec 16 |
| 80% | Jan 9 | Dec 26 |
| 90% | Dec 31 | Jan 7 |
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 20 | Nov 20 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Feb 2 | Dec 6 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Jan 1 | Dec 19 |
Planting calendar for Saratoga
Transplant Feb 9 – Feb 23
Transplant Feb 16 – Mar 2
Transplant Feb 16 – Mar 2
Transplant Feb 9 – Feb 23
Sow or transplant Feb 9 – Feb 23
Sow or transplant Feb 9 – Feb 23
Sow or transplant Feb 16 – Mar 2
Sow or transplant Jan 5 – Jan 19
Fall sowing Oct 11 – Nov 8
Fall sowing Oct 11 – Nov 1
Fall sowing Sep 27 – Oct 11
Sow or transplant Jan 5 – Jan 19
Fall sowing Sep 27 – Oct 25
Transplant Jan 19 – Feb 2
Fall sowing Sep 13 – Sep 27
Transplant Jan 12 – Jan 26
Fall sowing Sep 13 – Sep 27
Fall sowing Sep 13 – Sep 27
Fall sowing Oct 25 – Nov 15
Fall sowing Sep 27 – Oct 11
Plant Jan 5 – Jan 19
Based on the average last frost (Feb 2) and first frost (Dec 6). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.