Frost dates for 33919 — Fort Myers, FL
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 0 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Fort Myers compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Fort Myers fall between January 13 and January 16. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 31, or the last frost as late as February 2.
- Fort Myers shares its weather station with Cape Coral, FL, 10 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 1 |
| 50% (median) | January 16 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 2 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 31 |
| 50% (median) | January 13 |
| 90% (late) | February 2 |
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
Fort Myers, 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 Ft Myers Page Fld Ap, FL weather station, 5 km away (elevation 16 ft (5 m)).
ZIP codes in Fort Myers: 33901 33902 33905 33906 33907 33908 33911 33912 33913 33916 33919 33965 33966 33967 33994
Frost dates near Fort Myers
- Fort Myers Beach Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Cape Coral Jan 16 · Jan 13
- North Fort Myers Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Estero Jan 17 · Jan 16
- Saint James City Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Sanibel Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Lehigh Acres Jan 17 · Jan 16
- Bonita Springs Jan 17 · Jan 16
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Fort Myers, FL?
The median last spring frost in Fort Myers, FL is January 16. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 2, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Fort Myers, FL?
The median first fall frost is January 13, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 31.
How long is the growing season in Fort Myers, FL?
About 362 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Fort Myers, FL?
Fort Myers, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10b.