Cape Coral, FL frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 0 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Cape Coral compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Cape Coral fall between January 13 and January 16. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 31, or the last frost as late as February 2.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 1 |
| 50% (median) | January 16 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 2 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 31 |
| 50% (median) | January 13 |
| 90% (late) | February 2 |
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
Cape Coral, 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 Ft Myers Page Fld Ap, FL weather station, 12 km away (elevation 16 ft (5 m)).
ZIP codes in Cape Coral: 33904 33909 33910 33914 33915 33990 33991 33993
Frost dates near Cape Coral
- North Fort Myers Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Fort Myers Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Fort Myers Beach Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Saint James City Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Bokeelia Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Pineland Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Sanibel Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Captiva Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Estero Jan 17 · Jan 16
- Murdock Jan 21 · Jan 14
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Cape Coral, FL?
The median last spring frost in Cape Coral, FL is January 16. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 2, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Cape Coral, FL?
The median first fall frost is January 13, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 31.
How long is the growing season in Cape Coral, FL?
About 362 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Cape Coral, FL?
Cape Coral, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10b.