Last spring frost
Mar 3
Frost Dates for Gainesville, FL
First fall frost
Dec 2
Growing season
277 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Gainesville, FL, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Mar 3 and the first fall frost is about Dec 2, giving roughly a 277-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Feb 1 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 17 | Feb 27 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 23 | Mar 3 | Feb 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 14 | Feb 12 | Jan 9 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 23 | Jan 27 | Dec 26 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 7 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 14 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Feb 27 |
| 32°F | Mar 23 | Mar 16 | Mar 13 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 13 | Feb 1 |
| 28°F | Mar 14 | Mar 4 | Feb 27 | Feb 20 | Feb 12 | Feb 6 | Jan 30 | Jan 21 | Jan 9 |
| 24°F | Feb 23 | Feb 14 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 27 | Jan 19 | Jan 11 | Jan 4 | Dec 26 |
| 20°F | Feb 15 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 25 | Jan 17 | Jan 12 | Jan 6 | Jan 1 | Dec 25 |
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 3 | Nov 19 | Dec 9 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 12 | Dec 2 | Jan 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 25 | Dec 25 | Jan 26 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 6 | Jan 5 | Feb 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 9 |
| 32°F | Nov 12 | Nov 18 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 21 | Jan 1 |
| 28°F | Nov 25 | Dec 2 | Dec 8 | Dec 15 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 14 | Jan 26 |
| 24°F | Dec 6 | Dec 18 | Dec 26 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 11 | Jan 20 | Jan 31 | Feb 9 |
| 20°F | Dec 19 | Dec 28 | Jan 3 | Jan 7 | Jan 12 | Jan 18 | Jan 26 | Feb 1 | Feb 12 |
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 Rgnl Ap, Fl, about 5.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 123 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 3. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Feb 1.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Gainesville, FL typically arrives about Dec 2. 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 3 on average, or Feb 1 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 277 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 32612 Planting calendar → Florida frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026