Frost Dates for Hayward, CA 94544
Last spring frost February 3 · First fall frost December 11 · 311 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9b
Frost probability for 94544
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | February 28 | February 3 | December 20 |
| Fall (first frost) | November 18 | December 11 | January 15 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (22.4 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Frost dates by ZIP code in Hayward, CA
| ZIP | Last spring frost (50%) | First fall frost (50%) | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 94544 | February 3 | December 11 | 9b |
| 94541 | February 3 | January 24 | 10a |
| 94545 | February 3 | December 11 | 10a |
| 94542 | March 13 | December 11 | 9b |
Month by month in Hayward
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Start herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable. |
| February | Last frost around February 3. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings. |
| March | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| April | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| May | Harvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease. |
| June | Midsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall. |
| July | Direct sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors. |
| August | Direct sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors. |
| September | Direct sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors. |
| October | Direct sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors. |
| November | First fall frost approaching (around December 11). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| December | First frost around December 11. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season. |
What grows in a 311-day season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Hayward, CA (ZIP 94544)?
The median last spring frost date for Hayward, CA (ZIP code 94544) is around February 3. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area.
What is the first fall frost date in Hayward, CA?
The median first fall frost date for Hayward, CA is around December 11. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses.
How long is the growing season in Hayward, CA?
The frost-free growing season in Hayward is about 311 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side.
What USDA hardiness zone is Hayward, CA?
Based on frost date patterns, Hayward falls approximately in 9b. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Hayward, CA?
Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around February 3). For Hayward, that's roughly December 9 to December 23. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.
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