Lake Hamilton, 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 Lake Hamilton compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Lake Hamilton 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 Kissimmee, FL, 31 km away, the last frost here is 12 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
Lake Hamilton, 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, 11 km away (elevation 144 ft (44 m)).
Frost dates near Lake Hamilton
- Dundee Feb 4 · Jan 4
- Haines City Jan 16 · Jan 9
- Alturas Feb 4 · Jan 4
- Waverly Feb 4 · Jan 4
- Winter Haven Jan 16 · Jan 9
- Lakeshore Jan 16 · Jan 9
- Lake Alfred Jan 15 · Jan 10
- Eagle Lake Jan 16 · Jan 9
- Lake Wales Feb 4 · Jan 4
- Auburndale Jan 15 · Jan 10
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Lake Hamilton, FL?
The median last spring frost in Lake Hamilton, 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 Lake Hamilton, 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 Lake Hamilton, FL?
About 358 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Lake Hamilton, FL?
Lake Hamilton, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.