Ochopee, 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 Ochopee compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Ochopee fall between January 16 and January 18. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as January 1, or the last frost as late as February 4.
- Compared with Bonita Springs, FL, 82 km away, the last frost here is 1 day later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 2 |
| 50% (median) | January 18 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 4 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | January 1 |
| 50% (median) | January 16 |
| 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
Ochopee, 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 Oasis Rs, FL weather station, 13 km away (elevation 7 ft (2 m)).
Frost dates near Ochopee
- Chokoloskee Jan 16 · Jan 14
- Copeland Jan 24 · Jan 20
- Everglades City Jan 16 · Jan 14
- Immokalee Jan 18 · Jan 11
- Goodland rare frost
- Marco Island rare frost
- Naples Jan 18 · Jan 11
- Immokalee (Collier) Jan 23 · Jan 11
- Felda Jan 23 · Jan 11
- Bonita Springs Jan 17 · Jan 16
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Ochopee, FL?
The median last spring frost in Ochopee, FL is January 18. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 4, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Ochopee, FL?
The median first fall frost is January 16, with about a 10% chance of frost before January 1.
How long is the growing season in Ochopee, FL?
About 363 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Ochopee, FL?
Ochopee, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10b.