Frost dates for 33881 — Winter Haven, 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 Winter Haven compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Winter Haven fall between January 10 and January 15. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 25, or the last frost as late as February 7.
- Compared with Lakeland, FL, 23 km away, the last frost here is 11 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 30 |
| 50% (median) | January 15 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 7 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 25 |
| 50% (median) | January 10 |
| 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
Winter Haven, 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 Winter Haven Gilbert Ap, FL weather station, 3 km away (elevation 148 ft (45 m)).
ZIP codes in Winter Haven: 33880 33881 33882 33883 33884 33885 33888
Frost dates near Winter Haven
- Lake Alfred Jan 15 · Jan 10
- Eagle Lake Jan 16 · Jan 9
- Auburndale Jan 15 · Jan 10
- Lakeshore Jan 16 · Jan 9
- Lake Hamilton Jan 16 · Jan 9
- Haines City Jan 16 · Jan 9
- Dundee Feb 4 · Jan 4
- Alturas Feb 4 · Jan 4
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Winter Haven, FL?
The median last spring frost in Winter Haven, FL is January 15. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 7, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Winter Haven, FL?
The median first fall frost is January 10, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 25.
How long is the growing season in Winter Haven, FL?
About 360 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Winter Haven, FL?
Winter Haven, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.