Sun City, 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 Sun City compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Sun City fall between January 9 and January 20. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 19, or the last frost as late as February 16.
- Sun City shares its weather station with Riverview, FL, 23 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 31 |
| 50% (median) | January 20 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 16 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 19 |
| 50% (median) | January 9 |
| 90% (late) | February 7 |
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
Sun City, 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 Tampa Bay Area Wfo, FL weather station, 8 km away (elevation 39 ft (12 m)).
Frost dates near Sun City
- Ruskin Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Sun City Center Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Apollo Beach Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Terra Ceia Jan 16 · Jan 11
- Ellenton Jan 16 · Jan 11
- Parrish Jan 28 · Jan 9
- Wimauma Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Palmetto Jan 16 · Jan 11
- Gibsonton Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Balm Jan 20 · Jan 9
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Sun City, FL?
The median last spring frost in Sun City, FL is January 20. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 16, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Sun City, FL?
The median first fall frost is January 9, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 19.
How long is the growing season in Sun City, FL?
About 354 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Sun City, FL?
Sun City, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.