Frost Dates for Gotha, FL
In an average year around Gotha, FL, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jan 28 and the first fall frost is about Jan 9, giving roughly a 343-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 12 | Feb 8 | Jan 10 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Feb 26 | Jan 28 | Jan 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Feb 13 | Jan 20 | Dec 31 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Mar 12 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 16 | Feb 8 | Feb 4 | Jan 31 | Jan 22 | Jan 10 |
| 32°F | Feb 26 | Feb 16 | Feb 8 | Feb 2 | Jan 28 | Jan 21 | Jan 14 | Jan 8 | Jan 1 |
| 28°F | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 27 | Jan 20 | Jan 15 | Jan 10 | Jan 7 | Dec 31 |
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 1 | Dec 27 | Jan 24 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Dec 18 | Jan 9 | Feb 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Dec 25 | Jan 13 | Feb 10 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 14 | Dec 21 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 13 | Jan 24 |
| 32°F | Dec 18 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 9 | Jan 15 | Jan 21 | Jan 29 | Feb 6 |
| 28°F | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 9 | Jan 13 | Jan 18 | Jan 26 | Feb 3 | Feb 10 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Orlando W, Fl, about 2.7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 150 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
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 Gotha, FL?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Gotha, FL is about Jan 28. 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 Gotha, 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 28 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 343 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 34734 Planting calendar → Florida frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026