Last spring frost
Mar 1
Frost Dates for Palatka, FL
First fall frost
Dec 7
Growing season
284 days
Hardiness zone
9b
In an average year around Palatka, FL, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 1 and the first fall frost is about Dec 7, giving roughly a 284-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 29 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) | Apr 4 | Mar 15 | Feb 20 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 22 | Mar 1 | Jan 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 12 | Feb 9 | Jan 9 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 25 | Jan 25 | Dec 26 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 4 | Mar 29 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 20 |
| 32°F | Mar 22 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 | Feb 17 | Feb 9 | Jan 29 |
| 28°F | Mar 12 | Mar 2 | Feb 25 | Feb 17 | Feb 9 | Feb 3 | Jan 29 | Jan 22 | Jan 9 |
| 24°F | Feb 25 | Feb 12 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 19 | Jan 11 | Jan 4 | Dec 26 |
| 20°F | Feb 7 | Jan 29 | Jan 22 | Jan 17 | Jan 10 | Jan 6 | Dec 31 | Dec 28 | Dec 22 |
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 5 | Nov 25 | Dec 19 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 16 | Dec 7 | Jan 9 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 30 | Dec 30 | Feb 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 8 | Jan 6 | Feb 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 5 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 19 |
| 32°F | Nov 16 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 13 | Dec 22 | Dec 31 | Jan 9 |
| 28°F | Nov 30 | Dec 5 | Dec 12 | Dec 21 | Dec 30 | Jan 3 | Jan 9 | Jan 19 | Feb 1 |
| 24°F | Dec 8 | Dec 18 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Jan 27 | Feb 6 |
| 20°F | Dec 14 | Dec 22 | Dec 28 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 10 | Jan 17 | Jan 24 | Feb 4 |
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: Orange Springs 2Ssw, Fl, about 15.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 50 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 Palatka, FL?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Palatka, FL is about Mar 1. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 29.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Palatka, 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 Mar 1 on average, or Jan 29 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 284 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 32147 Planting calendar → Florida frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026