Frost dates for 33971 — Lehigh Acres, 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 Lehigh Acres compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Lehigh Acres 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.
- Compared with Cape Coral, FL, 27 km away, the last frost here is 1 day later than there.
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
Lehigh Acres, 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 Lehigh Acres: 33936 33970 33971 33972 33973 33974 33976
Frost dates near Lehigh Acres
- Alva Feb 2 · Jan 8
- Fort Myers Jan 16 · Jan 13
- North Fort Myers Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Estero Jan 17 · Jan 16
- Cape Coral Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Immokalee (Collier) Jan 23 · Jan 11
- Felda Jan 23 · Jan 11
- Labelle Feb 2 · Jan 8
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Lehigh Acres, FL?
The median last spring frost in Lehigh Acres, 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 Lehigh Acres, 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 Lehigh Acres, FL?
About 364 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Lehigh Acres, FL?
Lehigh Acres, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.