Frost dates for 36542 — Gulf Shores, AL
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 4 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Gulf Shores compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Gulf Shores fall between January 6 and January 31. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 12, or the last frost as late as February 27.
- Nearby Pensacola, FL, 52 km away, has a regular frost season (last frost Feb 14), a reminder of how much elevation and distance from the coast matter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 1 |
| 50% (median) | January 31 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 27 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 12 |
| 50% (median) | January 6 |
| 90% (late) | February 2 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Gulf Shores, AL
Frost dates for 36542 — Gulf Shores, AL — last frost Jan 31, first frost Jan 6, zone 9a. whenisthelastfrost.com
In mild climates, summer heat limits many crops as much as frost does. Use this calendar for spring planting and lean on fall and winter for cool-season crops.
When to plant vegetables in Gulf Shores, AL
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 8 – Nov 22 | Jan 3 – Jan 17 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 22 – Dec 6 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 22 – Dec 6 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 6 – Dec 20 | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 6 – Dec 20 | Jan 10 – Jan 24 | Jan 3 – Feb 7 | Nov 11 – Dec 9 |
| Kale | Dec 6 – Dec 20 | Jan 3 – Jan 17 | Jan 3 – Jan 17 | Oct 28 – Nov 18 |
| Broccoli | Dec 6 – Dec 20 | Jan 17 – Jan 31 | — | Sep 30 – Oct 21 |
| Cabbage | Dec 6 – Dec 20 | Jan 10 – Jan 24 | — | Sep 30 – Oct 21 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 6 – Dec 20 | Jan 17 – Jan 31 | — | Sep 30 – Oct 21 |
| Okra | Dec 20 – Jan 3 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | — |
| Basil | Dec 20 – Jan 3 | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 20 – Jan 10 | Oct 14 – Nov 4 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 20 – Jan 10 | Nov 11 – Dec 2 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 27 – Feb 7 | Nov 25 – Dec 16 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 3 – Jan 10 | Feb 14 – Feb 21 | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Oct 21 – Nov 4 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 3 – Jan 10 | — | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Oct 28 – Nov 11 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 3 – Jan 10 | — | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 3 – Jan 10 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 10 – Feb 7 | Oct 14 – Oct 28 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 10 – Feb 7 | Oct 28 – Nov 11 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 10 – Jan 31 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 17 – Feb 14 | Oct 28 – Nov 11 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 17 – Feb 7 | Nov 11 – Dec 2 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 7 – Feb 28 | Oct 21 – Nov 4 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 14 – Mar 7 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Dec 23 – Jan 27 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Dauphin Is #2, AL weather station, 31 km away (elevation 7 ft (2 m)).
ZIP codes in Gulf Shores: 36542 36547
Frost dates near Gulf Shores
- Bon Secour Mar 5 · Nov 23
- Magnolia Springs Mar 15 · Nov 19
- Foley Mar 5 · Nov 23
- Orange Beach Feb 28 · Nov 29
- Elberta Mar 5 · Nov 23
- Summerdale Mar 5 · Nov 23
- Fairhope Mar 10 · Nov 17
- Point Clear Mar 10 · Nov 17
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Gulf Shores, AL?
The median last spring frost in Gulf Shores, AL is January 31. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 27, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Gulf Shores, AL?
The median first fall frost is January 6, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 12.
How long is the growing season in Gulf Shores, AL?
About 340 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Gulf Shores, AL?
Gulf Shores, AL is in USDA hardiness zone 9a.