Frost dates for 33951 — Punta Gorda, FL
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 2 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Punta Gorda compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Punta Gorda fall between January 10 and January 22. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 25, or the last frost as late as February 16.
- Compared with Port Charlotte, FL, 17 km away, the last frost here is 1 day later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 31 |
| 50% (median) | January 22 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 16 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 25 |
| 50% (median) | January 10 |
| 90% (late) | February 8 |
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
Punta Gorda, 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 Charlotte Co Ap, FL weather station, 6 km away (elevation 26 ft (8 m)).
ZIP codes in Punta Gorda: 33950 33951 33955 33980 33982 33983
Frost dates near Punta Gorda
- Murdock Jan 21 · Jan 14
- Port Charlotte Jan 21 · Jan 14
- Arcadia Feb 7 · Jan 4
- North Port Feb 1 · Jan 6
- Nocatee Feb 7 · Jan 4
- El Jobean Jan 21 · Jan 14
- Fort Ogden Feb 7 · Jan 4
- Rotonda West Jan 21 · Jan 14
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Punta Gorda, FL?
The median last spring frost in Punta Gorda, FL is January 22. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 16, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Punta Gorda, 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 Punta Gorda, FL?
About 353 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Punta Gorda, FL?
Punta Gorda, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.