Harman US

Frost Dates for Lakeland, FL

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

In an average year around Lakeland, FL, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jan 26 and the first fall frost is about Jan 9, giving roughly a 349-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 2 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 - Lakeland, FL
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Mar 8 Feb 8 Jan 11
Freeze (32°F) Feb 21 Jan 26 Jan 2
Hard (28°F) Feb 5 Jan 17 Dec 30
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Mar 8 Feb 27 Feb 20 Feb 14 Feb 8 Feb 3 Jan 29 Jan 21 Jan 11
32°F Feb 21 Feb 10 Feb 3 Jan 30 Jan 26 Jan 20 Jan 14 Jan 9 Jan 2
28°F Feb 5 Jan 30 Jan 26 Jan 21 Jan 17 Jan 13 Jan 9 Jan 5 Dec 30

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 - Lakeland, FL
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Dec 3 Dec 30 Jan 26
Freeze (32°F) Dec 20 Jan 9 Feb 4
Hard (28°F) Dec 28 Jan 13 Feb 2
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Dec 3 Dec 11 Dec 19 Dec 25 Dec 30 Jan 3 Jan 9 Jan 14 Jan 26
32°F Dec 20 Dec 28 Jan 1 Jan 5 Jan 9 Jan 13 Jan 20 Jan 28 Feb 4
28°F Dec 28 Jan 2 Jan 5 Jan 9 Jan 13 Jan 17 Jan 24 Jan 29 Feb 2

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: Lakeland 2, Fl, about 3.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 139 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 Lakeland, FL?

On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Lakeland, FL is about Jan 26. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 2.

When is the first frost in the fall?

The first fall frost around Lakeland, FL typically arrives about Jan 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 Jan 26 on average, or Jan 2 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 349 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 33815 Planting calendar → Florida frost dates →

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