Safety Harbor, FL frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 0 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Safety Harbor compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Safety Harbor fall between January 14 and January 17. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 27, or the last frost as late as February 6.
- Safety Harbor shares its weather station with Clearwater, FL, 9 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 1 |
| 50% (median) | January 17 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 6 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 27 |
| 50% (median) | January 14 |
| 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
Safety Harbor, 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 St Petersburg Intl Ap, FL weather station, 11 km away (elevation 10 ft (3 m)).
Frost dates near Safety Harbor
- Oldsmar Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Dunedin Jan 17 · Jan 14
- Clearwater Jan 17 · Jan 14
- Palm Harbor Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Ozona Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Crystal Beach Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Clearwater Beach Jan 17 · Jan 14
- Tarpon Springs Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Pinellas Park Jan 17 · Jan 14
- Largo Jan 17 · Jan 14
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Safety Harbor, FL?
The median last spring frost in Safety Harbor, FL is January 17. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 6, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Safety Harbor, FL?
The median first fall frost is January 14, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 27.
How long is the growing season in Safety Harbor, FL?
About 362 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Safety Harbor, FL?
Safety Harbor, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.