Last spring frost
Feb 25
Frost Dates for Ocala, FL
First fall frost
Dec 12
Growing season
293 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Ocala, FL, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 25 and the first fall frost is about Dec 12, giving roughly a 293-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 24 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 1 | Mar 12 | Feb 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 21 | Feb 25 | Jan 24 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 7 | Feb 4 | Jan 2 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 25 | Jan 24 | Dec 26 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 1 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 3 | Feb 26 | Feb 18 |
| 32°F | Mar 21 | Mar 12 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 11 | Feb 4 | Jan 24 |
| 28°F | Mar 7 | Feb 26 | Feb 17 | Feb 10 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 23 | Jan 14 | Jan 2 |
| 24°F | Feb 25 | Feb 15 | Feb 7 | Jan 31 | Jan 24 | Jan 17 | Jan 10 | Jan 4 | Dec 26 |
| 20°F | Feb 15 | Feb 6 | Jan 30 | Jan 23 | Jan 18 | Jan 14 | Jan 8 | Jan 5 | 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 8 | Nov 27 | Dec 24 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 21 | Dec 12 | Jan 14 |
| Hard (28°F) | Dec 3 | Jan 3 | Feb 7 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 14 | Jan 9 | Feb 15 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 8 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 12 | Dec 24 |
| 32°F | Nov 21 | Nov 27 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 20 | Dec 28 | Jan 4 | Jan 14 |
| 28°F | Dec 3 | Dec 11 | Dec 21 | Dec 29 | Jan 3 | Jan 8 | Jan 15 | Jan 27 | Feb 7 |
| 24°F | Dec 14 | Dec 22 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 9 | Jan 16 | Jan 24 | Feb 2 | Feb 15 |
| 20°F | Dec 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Jan 13 | Jan 16 | Jan 22 | Jan 30 | Feb 6 | Feb 15 |
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: Ocala, Fl, about 8.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 75 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 Ocala, FL?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Ocala, FL is about Feb 25. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 24.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Ocala, FL typically arrives about Dec 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 Feb 25 on average, or Jan 24 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 293 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 34474 Planting calendar → Florida frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026