Auburndale, FL frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 1 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Auburndale compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Auburndale fall between January 10 and January 15. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 25, or the last frost as late as February 7.
- Compared with Lakeland, FL, 15 km away, the last frost here is 11 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 30 |
| 50% (median) | January 15 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 7 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 25 |
| 50% (median) | January 10 |
| 90% (late) | February 5 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Gardening where frost is rare
Auburndale, FL only freezes on a few winter nights, so the usual "plant after the last frost" rule doesn't apply. Heat and rainfall decide the seasons instead:
- Cool-season crops (lettuce, broccoli, peas, carrots) grow best from fall through late winter.
- Warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash) do best planted in late winter to spring, and again in late summer for a fall crop — midsummer heat can stop tomatoes setting fruit.
- Heat lovers (okra, sweet potatoes, melons) can be planted through spring and early summer.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Winter Haven Gilbert Ap, FL weather station, 6 km away (elevation 148 ft (45 m)).
Frost dates near Auburndale
- Lake Alfred Jan 15 · Jan 10
- Eagle Lake Jan 16 · Jan 9
- Eaton Park Jan 26 · Jan 9
- Winter Haven Jan 16 · Jan 9
- Highland City Jan 24 · Jan 7
- Polk City Jan 15 · Jan 10
- Lakeland Jan 26 · Jan 9
- Lakeshore Jan 16 · Jan 9
- Lake Hamilton Jan 16 · Jan 9
- Haines City Jan 16 · Jan 9
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Auburndale, FL?
The median last spring frost in Auburndale, FL is January 15. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 7, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Auburndale, FL?
The median first fall frost is January 10, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 25.
How long is the growing season in Auburndale, FL?
About 360 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Auburndale, FL?
Auburndale, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.