Frost Dates for Sunnyvale, CA 94087

Last spring frost February 3 · First fall frost December 11 · 311 frost-free days · USDA Zone 9b

Frost probability for 94087

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)March 16February 3January 13
Fall (first frost)November 9December 11January 15

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (13.7 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Sunnyvale, CA

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
94087February 3December 119b
94086February 3December 119b
94085February 3December 1110a
94089February 3December 1110a

Month by month in Sunnyvale

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryStart herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable.
FebruaryLast frost around February 3. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings.
MarchFrost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini.
AprilSuccession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently.
MayHarvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease.
JuneMidsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall.
JulyDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
AugustDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
SeptemberDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
OctoberDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
NovemberFirst fall frost approaching (around December 11). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
DecemberFirst 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 Sunnyvale, CA (ZIP 94087)?

The median last spring frost date for Sunnyvale, CA (ZIP code 94087) 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 Sunnyvale, CA?

The median first fall frost date for Sunnyvale, 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 Sunnyvale, CA?

The frost-free growing season in Sunnyvale 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 Sunnyvale, CA?

Based on frost date patterns, Sunnyvale 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 Sunnyvale, CA?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around February 3). For Sunnyvale, that's roughly December 9 to December 23. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

Nearby and related