Last spring frost
Feb 24
Frost Dates for Echols County, FL
First fall frost
Dec 7
Growing season
287 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Echols County, FL, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 24 and the first fall frost is about Dec 7, giving roughly a 287-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 28 before setting out tender plants.
Last spring frost
Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Mar 28 | Mar 13 | Feb 19 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 17 | Feb 24 | Jan 28 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 2 | Feb 1 | Jan 2 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 18 | Jan 22 | Dec 26 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Mar 28 | Mar 22 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 13 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 19 |
| 32°F | Mar 17 | Mar 11 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 | Feb 18 | Feb 12 | Feb 4 | Jan 28 |
| 28°F | Mar 2 | Feb 21 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 29 | Jan 21 | Jan 14 | Jan 2 |
| 24°F | Feb 18 | Feb 7 | Jan 31 | Jan 28 | Jan 22 | Jan 16 | Jan 10 | Jan 4 | Dec 26 |
| 20°F | Feb 11 | Feb 2 | Jan 28 | Jan 17 | Jan 13 | Jan 7 | Jan 4 | Dec 29 | Dec 21 |
First fall frost
Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Nov 2 | Nov 21 | Dec 12 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 16 | Dec 7 | Jan 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Dec 1 | Dec 28 | Jan 24 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 11 | Jan 9 | Feb 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 2 | Nov 8 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 12 |
| 32°F | Nov 16 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 12 | Dec 20 | Dec 28 | Jan 6 |
| 28°F | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 13 | Dec 21 | Dec 28 | Jan 2 | Jan 7 | Jan 14 | Jan 24 |
| 24°F | Dec 11 | Dec 22 | Dec 30 | Jan 3 | Jan 9 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Jan 28 | Feb 6 |
| 20°F | Dec 13 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 11 | Jan 15 | Jan 19 | Jan 31 | Feb 10 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
Where this data comes from
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: White Springs 7N, Fl, about 11.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 132 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
How we calculate these dates
Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Echols County, FL?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Echols County, FL is about Feb 24. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 28.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Echols County, FL typically arrives about Dec 7. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.
When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?
Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around Feb 24 on average, or Jan 28 to be safe most years.
How long is the growing season here?
The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 287 days in a typical year.
Are these dates a forecast for this year?
No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.
Local weather for 32096 Planting calendar → Florida frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026