Frost dates for 33949 — Port Charlotte, 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 Port Charlotte compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Port Charlotte fall between January 14 and January 21. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 27, or the last frost as late as February 14.
- Compared with North Port, FL, 12 km away, the last frost here is 11 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 1 |
| 50% (median) | January 21 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 14 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 27 |
| 50% (median) | January 14 |
| 90% (late) | February 9 |
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
Port Charlotte, 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 Punta Gorda 4 Ese, FL weather station, 13 km away (elevation 20 ft (6 m)).
ZIP codes in Port Charlotte: 33948 33949 33952 33953 33954 33981
Frost dates near Port Charlotte
- Punta Gorda Jan 22 · Jan 10
- North Port Feb 1 · Jan 6
- El Jobean Jan 21 · Jan 14
- Murdock Jan 21 · Jan 14
- Rotonda West Jan 21 · Jan 14
- Placida Jan 21 · Jan 14
- Englewood Jan 25 · Jan 19
- Arcadia Feb 7 · Jan 4
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Port Charlotte, FL?
The median last spring frost in Port Charlotte, FL is January 21. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 14, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Port Charlotte, FL?
The median first fall frost is January 14, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 27.
How long is the growing season in Port Charlotte, FL?
About 358 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Port Charlotte, FL?
Port Charlotte, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.