Frost dates for 33955 — Punta Gorda, 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 Punta Gorda compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Punta Gorda 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 Cape Coral, FL, 22 km away, the last frost here is 5 days later 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
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 4 Ese, FL weather station, 11 km away (elevation 20 ft (6 m)).
ZIP codes in Punta Gorda: 33950 33951 33955 33980 33982 33983
Frost dates near Punta Gorda
- Murdock Jan 21 · Jan 14
- North Fort Myers Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Cape Coral Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Bokeelia Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Pineland Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Port Charlotte Jan 21 · Jan 14
- El Jobean Jan 21 · Jan 14
- Placida 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 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 Punta Gorda, 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 Punta Gorda, FL?
About 358 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.