Frost dates for 33663 — Tampa, 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 Tampa compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Tampa 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.
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
Tampa, 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, 14 km away (elevation 20 ft (6 m)).
ZIP codes in Tampa: 33601 33602 33603 33604 33605 33606 33607 33608 33609 33610 33611 33612 33613 33614 33615 33616 33617 33618 33619 33620 33621 33622 33623 33624 33625 33626 33629 33630 33631 33633 33634 33635 33637 33646 33647 33650 33655 33660 33661 33662 33663 33664 33672 33673 33674 33675 33677 33679 33680 33681 33682 33684 33685 33686 33687 33688 33689 33694
Frost dates near Tampa
- Gibsonton Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Riverview Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Seffner Jan 20 · Jan 12
- Apollo Beach Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Brandon Jan 30 · Jan 6
- Sun City Center Jan 20 · Jan 9
- Mango Jan 30 · Jan 6
- Ruskin Jan 20 · Jan 9
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Tampa, FL?
The median last spring frost in Tampa, 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 Tampa, 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 Tampa, FL?
About 357 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Tampa, FL?
Tampa, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.