Frost dates for 33928 — Estero, 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 Estero compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Estero fall between January 16 and January 17. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as January 4, or the last frost as late as February 6.
- Estero shares its weather station with Bonita Springs, FL, 9 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 6 |
| 50% (median) | January 17 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 6 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | January 4 |
| 50% (median) | January 16 |
| 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
Estero, 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 Sw Fl Rgnl Ap, FL weather station, 13 km away (elevation 30 ft (9 m)).
ZIP codes in Estero: 33928 33929
Frost dates near Estero
- Bonita Springs Jan 17 · Jan 16
- Fort Myers Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Fort Myers Beach Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Lehigh Acres Jan 17 · Jan 16
- Cape Coral Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Sanibel Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Saint James City Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Naples Jan 18 · Jan 11
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Estero, FL?
The median last spring frost in Estero, FL is January 17. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 6, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Estero, FL?
The median first fall frost is January 16, with about a 10% chance of frost before January 4.
How long is the growing season in Estero, FL?
About 364 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Estero, FL?
Estero, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.