Longboat Key, 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 Longboat Key compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Longboat Key fall between January 10 and January 15. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 24, or the last frost as late as February 8.
- Compared with Bradenton, FL, 17 km away, the last frost here is 1 day earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 29 |
| 50% (median) | January 15 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 8 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 24 |
| 50% (median) | January 10 |
| 90% (late) | February 3 |
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
Longboat Key, 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 Sarasota Bradenton Ap, FL weather station, 10 km away (elevation 30 ft (9 m)).
Frost dates near Longboat Key
- Cortez Jan 15 · Jan 10
- Bradenton Beach Jan 15 · Jan 10
- Holmes Beach Jan 15 · Jan 10
- Tallevast Jan 15 · Jan 10
- Oneco Jan 16 · Jan 11
- Anna Maria Jan 15 · Jan 10
- Palmetto Jan 16 · Jan 11
- Bradenton Jan 16 · Jan 11
- Sarasota Jan 15 · Jan 10
- Terra Ceia Jan 16 · Jan 11
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Longboat Key, FL?
The median last spring frost in Longboat Key, FL is January 15. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 8, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Longboat Key, FL?
The median first fall frost is January 10, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 24.
How long is the growing season in Longboat Key, FL?
About 360 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Longboat Key, FL?
Longboat Key, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10b.