Eagle Lake, 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 Eagle Lake compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Eagle Lake fall between January 9 and January 16. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 23, or the last frost as late as February 15.
- Compared with Lakeland, FL, 22 km away, the last frost here is 10 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 29 |
| 50% (median) | January 16 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 15 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 23 |
| 50% (median) | January 9 |
| 90% (late) | February 7 |
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
Eagle Lake, 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, FL weather station, 5 km away (elevation 144 ft (44 m)).
Frost dates near Eagle Lake
- Winter Haven Jan 16 · Jan 9
- Lakeshore Jan 16 · Jan 9
- Highland City Jan 24 · Jan 7
- Bartow Jan 24 · Jan 7
- Auburndale Jan 15 · Jan 10
- Lake Alfred Jan 15 · Jan 10
- Alturas Feb 4 · Jan 4
- Waverly Feb 4 · Jan 4
- Dundee Feb 4 · Jan 4
- Lake Hamilton Jan 16 · Jan 9
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Eagle Lake, FL?
The median last spring frost in Eagle Lake, FL is January 16. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 15, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Eagle Lake, FL?
The median first fall frost is January 9, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 23.
How long is the growing season in Eagle Lake, FL?
About 358 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Eagle Lake, FL?
Eagle Lake, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.