Frost dates for 33888 — 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 9 and January 16. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 23, or the last frost as late as February 15.
- Compared with Lakeland, FL, 24 km away, the last frost here is 10 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 29 |
| 50% (median) | January 16 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 15 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 23 |
| 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
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, FL weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 144 ft (44 m)).
ZIP codes in Winter Haven: 33880 33881 33882 33883 33884 33885 33888
Frost dates near Winter Haven
- Eagle Lake Jan 16 · Jan 9
- Lakeshore Jan 16 · Jan 9
- Lake Alfred Jan 15 · Jan 10
- Lake Hamilton Jan 16 · Jan 9
- Dundee Feb 4 · Jan 4
- Auburndale Jan 15 · Jan 10
- Alturas Feb 4 · Jan 4
- Haines City Jan 16 · Jan 9
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Winter Haven, FL?
The median last spring frost in Winter Haven, FL is January 16. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 15, 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 9, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 23.
How long is the growing season in Winter Haven, FL?
About 358 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.