Dover, FL frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 3 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Dover compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Dover fall between January 6 and January 30. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 8, or the last frost as late as March 2.
- Dover shares its weather station with Brandon, FL, 10 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 31 |
| 50% (median) | January 30 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 2 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 8 |
| 50% (median) | January 6 |
| 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.
Planting calendar for Dover, FL
Dover, FL frost dates — last frost Jan 30, first frost Jan 6, zone 9b. whenisthelastfrost.com
In mild climates, summer heat limits many crops as much as frost does. Use this calendar for spring planting and lean on fall and winter for cool-season crops.
When to plant vegetables in Dover, FL
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 7 – Nov 21 | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 21 – Dec 5 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 21 – Dec 5 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Jan 9 – Jan 23 | Jan 2 – Feb 6 | Nov 11 – Dec 9 |
| Kale | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | Oct 28 – Nov 18 |
| Broccoli | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | — | Sep 30 – Oct 21 |
| Cabbage | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Jan 9 – Jan 23 | — | Sep 30 – Oct 21 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | — | Sep 30 – Oct 21 |
| Okra | Dec 19 – Jan 2 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | — |
| Basil | Dec 19 – Jan 2 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 19 – Jan 9 | Oct 14 – Nov 4 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 19 – Jan 9 | Nov 11 – Dec 2 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 26 – Feb 6 | Nov 25 – Dec 16 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 2 – Jan 9 | Feb 13 – Feb 20 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Oct 21 – Nov 4 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 2 – Jan 9 | — | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Oct 28 – Nov 11 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 2 – Jan 9 | — | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 2 – Jan 9 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 9 – Feb 6 | Oct 14 – Oct 28 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 9 – Feb 6 | Oct 28 – Nov 11 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 9 – Jan 30 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 16 – Feb 13 | Oct 28 – Nov 11 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 16 – Feb 6 | Nov 11 – Dec 2 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 6 – Feb 27 | Oct 21 – Nov 4 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 13 – Mar 6 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Dec 23 – Jan 27 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Plant City, FL weather station, 8 km away (elevation 112 ft (34 m)).
Frost dates near Dover
- Sydney Jan 30 · Jan 6
- Valrico Jan 30 · Jan 6
- Plant City Jan 30 · Jan 6
- Mango Jan 30 · Jan 6
- Brandon Jan 30 · Jan 6
- Durant Jan 30 · Jan 6
- Thonotosassa Jan 30 · Jan 6
- Seffner Jan 20 · Jan 12
- Lithia Jan 30 · Jan 6
- Riverview Jan 20 · Jan 9
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Dover, FL?
The median last spring frost in Dover, FL is January 30. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 2, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Dover, FL?
The median first fall frost is January 6, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 8.
How long is the growing season in Dover, FL?
About 341 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Dover, FL?
Dover, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.