Manasota, 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 Manasota compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Manasota fall between January 11 and January 16. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 20, or the last frost as late as February 9.
- Manasota shares its weather station with Bradenton, FL, 6 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 26 |
| 50% (median) | January 16 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 9 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 20 |
| 50% (median) | January 11 |
| 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.
Gardening where frost is rare
Manasota, 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 Bradenton 5 Ese, FL weather station, 7 km away (elevation 20 ft (6 m)).
Frost dates near Manasota
- Bradenton Jan 16 · Jan 11
- Tallevast Jan 15 · Jan 10
- Oneco Jan 16 · Jan 11
- Sarasota Jan 15 · Jan 10
- Ellenton Jan 16 · Jan 11
- Parrish Jan 28 · Jan 9
- Palmetto Jan 16 · Jan 11
- Terra Ceia Jan 16 · Jan 11
- Longboat Key Jan 15 · Jan 10
- Cortez Jan 15 · Jan 10
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Manasota, FL?
The median last spring frost in Manasota, FL is January 16. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 9, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Manasota, FL?
The median first fall frost is January 11, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 20.
How long is the growing season in Manasota, FL?
About 360 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Manasota, FL?
Manasota, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.