Odessa, 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 Odessa compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Odessa 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.
- Odessa shares its weather station with Palm Harbor, FL, 16 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
Odessa, 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, 16 km away (elevation 7 ft (2 m)).
Frost dates near Odessa
- Tarpon Springs Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Lutz Jan 20 · Jan 12
- Oldsmar Jan 20 · Jan 9
- New Port Richey Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Elfers Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Holiday Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Palm Harbor Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Land O Lakes Jan 31 · Jan 8
- Safety Harbor Jan 17 · Jan 14
- Crystal Beach Jan 20 · Jan 9
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Odessa, FL?
The median last spring frost in Odessa, 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 Odessa, 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 Odessa, FL?
About 354 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Odessa, FL?
Odessa, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.