Frost dates for 34202 — Bradenton, 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 Bradenton compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Bradenton fall between January 11 and January 16. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 20, or the last frost as late as February 9.
- Compared with Sarasota, FL, 15 km away, the last frost here is 1 day later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 26 |
| 50% (median) | January 16 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 9 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 20 |
| 50% (median) | January 11 |
| 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
Bradenton, 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 Bradenton 5 Ese, FL weather station, 12 km away (elevation 20 ft (6 m)).
ZIP codes in Bradenton: 34201 34202 34203 34204 34205 34206 34207 34208 34209 34210 34211 34212 34280 34281 34282
Frost dates near Bradenton
- Manasota Jan 16 · Jan 11
- Sarasota Jan 15 · Jan 10
- Tallevast Jan 15 · Jan 10
- Oneco Jan 16 · Jan 11
- Parrish Jan 28 · Jan 9
- Ellenton Jan 16 · Jan 11
- Myakka City Feb 1 · Jan 6
- Palmetto Jan 16 · Jan 11
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Bradenton, FL?
The median last spring frost in Bradenton, FL is January 16. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 9, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Bradenton, FL?
The median first fall frost is January 11, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 20.
How long is the growing season in Bradenton, FL?
About 360 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Bradenton, FL?
Bradenton, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.