Sarasota, 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 Sarasota compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Sarasota fall between January 10 and January 15. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 24, or the last frost as late as February 8.
- Compared with North Port, FL, 41 km away, the last frost here is 17 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 29 |
| 50% (median) | January 15 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 8 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 24 |
| 50% (median) | January 10 |
| 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
Sarasota, 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 Sarasota Bradenton Ap, FL weather station, 11 km away (elevation 30 ft (9 m)).
ZIP codes in Sarasota: 34230 34231 34232 34233 34234 34235 34236 34237 34238 34239 34240 34241 34242 34243 34249 34276 34277 34278
Frost dates near Sarasota
- Tallevast Jan 15 · Jan 10
- Manasota Jan 16 · Jan 11
- Bradenton Jan 16 · Jan 11
- Osprey Jan 25 · Jan 19
- Oneco Jan 16 · Jan 11
- Longboat Key Jan 15 · Jan 10
- Nokomis Jan 25 · Jan 19
- Laurel Jan 25 · Jan 19
- Ellenton Jan 16 · Jan 11
- Palmetto Jan 16 · Jan 11
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Sarasota, FL?
The median last spring frost in Sarasota, FL is January 15. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 8, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Sarasota, FL?
The median first fall frost is January 10, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 24.
How long is the growing season in Sarasota, FL?
About 360 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Sarasota, FL?
Sarasota, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.