Last spring frost
Jan 21
Frost Dates for Punta Gorda, FL
First fall frost
Jan 14
Growing season
365 days
Hardiness zone
10a
In an average year around Punta Gorda, FL, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jan 21 and the first fall frost is about Jan 14, giving roughly a 365-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 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) | Mar 1 | Feb 1 | Jan 6 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Feb 14 | Jan 21 | Jan 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Mar 1 | Feb 20 | Feb 11 | Feb 5 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 22 | Jan 15 | Jan 6 |
| 32°F | Feb 14 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 28 | Jan 21 | Jan 16 | Jan 11 | Jan 6 | Jan 1 |
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) | Dec 21 | Jan 10 | Feb 9 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Dec 27 | Jan 14 | Feb 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Dec 21 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 10 | Jan 15 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | Feb 9 |
| 32°F | Dec 27 | Jan 2 | Jan 6 | Jan 9 | Jan 14 | Jan 19 | Jan 26 | Feb 1 | Feb 9 |
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: Punta Gorda 4 Ese, Fl, about 2.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 20 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 Punta Gorda, FL?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Punta Gorda, FL is about Jan 21. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 1.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Punta Gorda, FL typically arrives about Jan 14. 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 21 on average, or Jan 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 365 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 33950 Planting calendar → Florida frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026