Elfers, FL frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 2 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Elfers compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Elfers fall between January 9 and January 20. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 16, or the last frost as late as February 14.
- Elfers shares its weather station with Palm Harbor, FL, 15 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 29 |
| 50% (median) | January 20 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 14 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 16 |
| 50% (median) | January 9 |
| 90% (late) | February 4 |
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
Elfers, 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 Tarpon Spgs Sewage Plt, FL weather station, 8 km away (elevation 7 ft (2 m)).
Frost dates near Elfers
- Holiday Jan 20 · Jan 9
- New Port Richey Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Port Richey Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Tarpon Springs Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Crystal Beach Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Palm Harbor Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Odessa Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Hudson Feb 5 · Jan 1
- Ozona Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Oldsmar Jan 20 · Jan 9
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Elfers, FL?
The median last spring frost in Elfers, FL is January 20. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 14, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Elfers, FL?
The median first fall frost is January 9, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 16.
How long is the growing season in Elfers, FL?
About 354 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Elfers, FL?
Elfers, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.