Raiford, FL frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 15 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Raiford compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Raiford fall between December 24 and February 8. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 29, or the last frost as late as March 8.
- Nearby Gainesville, FL, 47 km away, has a regular frost season (last frost Mar 3), a reminder of how much elevation and distance from the coast matter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 6 |
| 50% (median) | February 8 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 8 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 29 |
| 50% (median) | December 24 |
| 90% (late) | January 30 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Raiford, FL
Raiford, FL frost dates — last frost Feb 8, first frost Dec 24, zone 9a. whenisthelastfrost.com
In mild climates, summer heat limits many crops as much as frost does. Use this calendar for spring planting and lean on fall and winter for cool-season crops.
When to plant vegetables in Raiford, FL
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 16 – Nov 30 | Jan 11 – Jan 25 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 30 – Dec 14 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 30 – Dec 14 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 14 – Dec 28 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 14 – Dec 28 | Jan 18 – Feb 1 | Jan 11 – Feb 15 | Oct 29 – Nov 26 |
| Kale | Dec 14 – Dec 28 | Jan 11 – Jan 25 | Jan 11 – Jan 25 | Oct 15 – Nov 5 |
| Broccoli | Dec 14 – Dec 28 | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | — | Sep 17 – Oct 8 |
| Cabbage | Dec 14 – Dec 28 | Jan 18 – Feb 1 | — | Sep 17 – Oct 8 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 14 – Dec 28 | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | — | Sep 17 – Oct 8 |
| Okra | Dec 28 – Jan 11 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | — |
| Basil | Dec 28 – Jan 11 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 28 – Jan 18 | Oct 1 – Oct 22 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 28 – Jan 18 | Oct 29 – Nov 19 |
| Radishes | — | — | Jan 4 – Feb 15 | Nov 12 – Dec 3 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 11 – Jan 18 | Feb 22 – Mar 1 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | Oct 8 – Oct 22 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 11 – Jan 18 | — | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | Oct 15 – Oct 29 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 11 – Jan 18 | — | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 11 – Jan 18 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 18 – Feb 15 | Oct 1 – Oct 15 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 18 – Feb 15 | Oct 15 – Oct 29 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 18 – Feb 8 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 25 – Feb 22 | Oct 15 – Oct 29 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 25 – Feb 15 | Oct 29 – Nov 19 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 15 – Mar 8 | Oct 8 – Oct 22 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 22 – Mar 15 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Dec 10 – Jan 14 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Starke, FL weather station, 17 km away (elevation 151 ft (46 m)).
ZIP codes in Raiford: 32026 32083
Frost dates near Raiford
- Lawtey Feb 8 · Dec 24
- Graham Feb 8 · Dec 24
- Starke Feb 8 · Dec 24
- Brooker Feb 8 · Dec 24
- Lake Butler Feb 8 · Dec 24
- Sanderson Mar 8 · Dec 1
- Macclenny Mar 8 · Dec 1
- Glen Saint Mary Mar 8 · Dec 1
- Hampton Feb 8 · Dec 24
- Olustee Mar 1 · Nov 28
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Raiford, FL?
The median last spring frost in Raiford, FL is February 8. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 8, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Raiford, FL?
The median first fall frost is December 24, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 29.
How long is the growing season in Raiford, FL?
About 319 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Raiford, FL?
Raiford, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 9a.