Last spring frost
Mar 4
Frost Dates for Gainesville, FL
First fall frost
Dec 4
Growing season
274 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Gainesville, FL, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 4 and the first fall frost is about Dec 4, giving roughly a 274-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 3 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 7 | Mar 20 | Feb 23 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 26 | Mar 4 | Feb 3 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 15 | Feb 16 | Jan 11 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 1 | Feb 3 | Dec 31 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 7 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 16 | Mar 10 | Mar 3 | Feb 23 |
| 32°F | Mar 26 | Mar 19 | Mar 14 | Mar 7 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 15 | Feb 3 |
| 28°F | Mar 15 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 16 | Feb 10 | Feb 3 | Jan 27 | Jan 11 |
| 24°F | Mar 1 | Feb 23 | Feb 16 | Feb 10 | Feb 3 | Jan 29 | Jan 20 | Jan 10 | Dec 31 |
| 20°F | Feb 21 | Feb 14 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 19 | Jan 11 | Jan 5 | Dec 26 |
| 16°F | Feb 17 | Feb 13 | Feb 7 | Feb 3 | Jan 29 | Jan 18 | Jan 8 | Dec 31 | Dec 24 |
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 1 | Nov 20 | Dec 12 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 10 | Dec 4 | Jan 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 24 | Dec 24 | Feb 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 6 | Jan 7 | Feb 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 1 | Nov 6 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 30 | Dec 5 | Dec 12 |
| 32°F | Nov 10 | Nov 18 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 18 | Dec 29 | Jan 6 |
| 28°F | Nov 24 | Dec 3 | Dec 9 | Dec 16 | Dec 24 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 15 | Feb 1 |
| 24°F | Dec 6 | Dec 15 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 7 | Jan 12 | Jan 20 | Jan 31 | Feb 11 |
| 20°F | Dec 16 | Dec 26 | Jan 4 | Jan 9 | Jan 13 | Jan 23 | Jan 30 | Feb 5 | Feb 14 |
| 16°F | Dec 22 | Dec 30 | Jan 6 | Jan 17 | Jan 28 | Feb 1 | Feb 4 | Feb 9 | Feb 16 |
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: Gainesville 11 Wnw, Fl, about 3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 95 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 Gainesville, FL?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Gainesville, FL is about Mar 4. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 3.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Gainesville, FL typically arrives about Dec 4. 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 4 on average, or Feb 3 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 274 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 32606 Planting calendar → Florida frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026