When to plant in Alameda, CA
USDA Zone 10aHere are the average frost dates, USDA hardiness zone, and a month-by-month planting calendar for Alameda, California — all computed from Alameda's nearest NOAA weather station.
With about 350 frost-free days, Alameda supports back-to-back plantings; stagger sowings every few weeks to keep beds productive spring through fall. Zone 10a is warm enough that Alameda can grow subtropical perennials, and the short (or absent) frost period barely limits the annual calendar.
Frost probability
OAKLAND METRO INTL AP · 1991–2020The date the last spring and first fall frost occur, by threshold and probability. A 90% date is later in spring — and earlier in fall — than a 10% date; the 50% · 32°F row is what most gardeners plan around. These are Alameda’s own odds, recorded at OAKLAND METRO INTL AP.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Mar 7 | Feb 8 | Jan 3 | Nov 15 | Dec 4 | Jan 5 |
| 32°F | Feb 8 | Jan 7 | Dec 13 | Nov 30 | Dec 23 | Jan 24 |
| 28°F | Jan 15 | Dec 30 | Dec 9 | Dec 6 | Dec 28 | Jan 12 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Nothing new to sow or transplant outdoors in the next few weeks — a seasonal lull. Check the full-year calendar below for the next window.
Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in Alameda, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 16 km · complete 32°F normalsWhen stations disagree by more than a few days, that spread is real microclimate variation — elevation, water, urban heat. Judge which station best matches your own yard.
Alameda planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Alameda, CA?
On average, the last spring frost in Alameda is around January 7 (50% probability at 32°F, from 1991–2020 NOAA normals). Wait until after this date to set out tender plants like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first fall frost in Alameda, CA?
The first fall frost in Alameda typically arrives around December 23 (50% probability at 32°F). Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops before then.
What hardiness zone is Alameda in?
Alameda is in USDA hardiness zone 10a. In zone 10a, winters are mild — many tender perennials overwinter here.
How long is the growing season in Alameda?
There are roughly 350 frost-free days in Alameda (a long growing season), running from the average last frost around January 7 to the first fall frost near December 23.
When should I plant tomatoes in Alameda?
In Alameda, start tomato seeds indoors around November 12–November 26, then transplant seedlings outdoors around January 14 once the danger of frost has passed.
Never miss a window in Alameda
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Alameda’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Oakland · 4 km
- Piedmont · 9 km
- San Leandro · 10 km
- Emeryville · 11 km
- San Lorenzo · 13 km
- Ashland · 14 km
- South San Francisco · 14 km
- Berkeley · 14 km
Frost dates recorded at OAKLAND METRO INTL AP, 4 km from the city center · 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals · zone from the USDA/PRISM 2023 map. How we compute this.
BlissGarden. "When to Plant in Alameda, CA — Frost Dates & Zone 10a." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USW00023230. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/california/alameda.