Last spring frost
Feb 14
Frost Dates for Pensacola, FL
First fall frost
Dec 9
Growing season
301 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Pensacola, FL, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 14 and the first fall frost is about Dec 9, giving roughly a 301-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 21 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 21 | Mar 2 | Feb 8 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 11 | Feb 14 | Jan 21 |
| Hard (28°F) | Feb 28 | Jan 31 | Jan 2 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 11 | Jan 19 | Dec 28 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Mar 21 | Mar 15 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 16 | Feb 8 |
| 32°F | Mar 11 | Mar 4 | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 14 | Feb 10 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 21 |
| 28°F | Feb 28 | Feb 20 | Feb 10 | Feb 3 | Jan 31 | Jan 26 | Jan 19 | Jan 12 | Jan 2 |
| 24°F | Feb 11 | Feb 1 | Jan 29 | Jan 25 | Jan 19 | Jan 15 | Jan 9 | Jan 3 | Dec 28 |
| 20°F | Feb 2 | Jan 30 | Jan 26 | Jan 19 | Jan 15 | Jan 12 | Jan 9 | Jan 5 | Dec 29 |
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 8 | Nov 25 | Dec 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 17 | Dec 9 | Jan 10 |
| Hard (28°F) | Dec 2 | Jan 1 | Jan 31 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 16 | Jan 8 | Feb 2 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 8 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 18 |
| 32°F | Nov 17 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 16 | Dec 27 | Jan 2 | Jan 10 |
| 28°F | Dec 2 | Dec 10 | Dec 20 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 10 | Jan 17 | Jan 31 |
| 24°F | Dec 16 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 3 | Jan 8 | Jan 12 | Jan 18 | Jan 25 | Feb 2 |
| 20°F | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 9 | Jan 13 | Jan 16 | Jan 22 | Jan 28 | Feb 1 |
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: Pensacola Rgnl Ap, Fl, about 2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 112 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 Pensacola, FL?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Pensacola, FL is about Feb 14. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 21.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Pensacola, FL typically arrives about Dec 9. 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 14 on average, or Jan 21 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 301 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 32503 Planting calendar → Florida frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026