Harman US

Frost Dates for Sanford, FL

Last spring frost
Jan 26
First fall frost
Jan 12
Growing season
359 days
Hardiness zone
9b

In an average year around Sanford, FL, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jan 26 and the first fall frost is about Jan 12, giving roughly a 359-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Dec 31 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.

Last spring frost - Sanford, FL
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Mar 6 Feb 4 Jan 8
Freeze (32°F) Feb 24 Jan 26 Dec 31
Hard (28°F) Feb 6 Jan 13 Dec 25
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Mar 6 Feb 26 Feb 17 Feb 10 Feb 4 Jan 31 Jan 24 Jan 16 Jan 8
32°F Feb 24 Feb 12 Feb 6 Jan 31 Jan 26 Jan 19 Jan 12 Jan 6 Dec 31
28°F Feb 6 Jan 31 Jan 27 Jan 19 Jan 13 Jan 10 Jan 6 Dec 31 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.

First fall frost - Sanford, FL
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Dec 9 Jan 6 Feb 6
Freeze (32°F) Dec 20 Jan 12 Feb 10
Hard (28°F) Dec 19 Jan 11 Feb 5
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Dec 9 Dec 19 Dec 27 Jan 1 Jan 6 Jan 11 Jan 16 Jan 24 Feb 6
32°F Dec 20 Dec 28 Jan 2 Jan 7 Jan 12 Jan 18 Jan 24 Jan 31 Feb 10
28°F Dec 19 Dec 29 Jan 3 Jan 7 Jan 11 Jan 14 Jan 23 Jan 29 Feb 5

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

These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Sanford, Fl, about 2.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 12 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.

@endif
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 Sanford, FL?

On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Sanford, FL is about Jan 26. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Dec 31.

When is the first frost in the fall?

The first fall frost around Sanford, FL typically arrives about Jan 12. 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 Jan 26 on average, or Dec 31 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 359 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 32771 Planting calendar → Florida frost dates →

Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026