Frost dates for 33548 — Lutz, FL
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 Lutz compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Lutz fall between January 12 and January 20. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 23, or the last frost as late as February 10.
- Lutz shares its weather station with Tampa, FL, 22 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 27 |
| 50% (median) | January 20 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 10 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 23 |
| 50% (median) | January 12 |
| 90% (late) | February 5 |
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
Lutz, 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 Intl Ap, FL weather station, 20 km away (elevation 20 ft (6 m)).
ZIP codes in Lutz: 33548 33549 33558 33559
Frost dates near Lutz
- Odessa Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Land O Lakes Jan 31 · Jan 8
- Thonotosassa Jan 30 · Jan 6
- Wesley Chapel Jan 31 · Jan 8
- Tampa Jan 20 · Jan 12
- Oldsmar Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Tarpon Springs Jan 20 · Jan 9
- New Port Richey Jan 20 · Jan 9
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Lutz, FL?
The median last spring frost in Lutz, FL is January 20. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 10, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Lutz, FL?
The median first fall frost is January 12, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 23.
How long is the growing season in Lutz, FL?
About 357 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Lutz, FL?
Lutz, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.