Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Tampa, FL
ℹ️ How to read these charts for the spring
As spring unfolds, the risk of frost gradually decreases each day until your tender plants are finally safe. The probabilities shown in the chart help you make smart decisions about when to plant.
While frost typically forms at 32°F, tender plants can be damaged even when temperatures are slightly higher. Air temperatures are often measured several feet above the ground, but temperatures at plant level can be several degrees colder. Protected areas like porches help by blocking radiational cooling. Given these variables, we consider 36°F the "caution zone" for frost-sensitive plants.
Key dates for your spring planting:
- By March 9, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
- Around February 9, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
- Before January 21, there's still an 80% risk of frost — too early for tomatoes and other tender plants unless you're prepared to protect them
If the 10-day forecast shows no temperatures below 40°F, you might safely plant earlier than the above dates suggest. Many gardeners watch for this weather window to get a head start on the growing season.
| Temperature | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Last 16° | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Last 20° | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Last 24° | Jan 9 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Last 28° | Jan 27 | Jan 18 | Jan 9 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Last 32° | Feb 22 | Feb 12 | Feb 4 | Jan 28 | Jan 19 | Jan 7 | -- | -- | -- |
| Last 36° | Mar 9 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 15 | Feb 9 | Feb 4 | Jan 28 | Jan 21 | Jan 10 |
ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall
As summer ends in Tampa, FL, nighttime temperatures begin to drop, and your risk of frost increases with each passing day. Knowing when to expect frost helps you harvest sensitive crops and extend your growing season with protection methods.
The chart below shows the probability of experiencing specific temperatures on various dates. Here's what this means for your garden:
These probabilities help you time your end-of-season harvests and know when to apply protective measures like row covers, cloches, or cold frames to extend your harvest.
| Temperature | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First 16° | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| First 20° | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| First 24° | Jan 10 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| First 28° | Jan 3 | Jan 15 | Jan 28 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| First 32° | Dec 17 | Dec 28 | Jan 5 | Jan 12 | Jan 21 | Feb 2 | -- | -- | -- |
| First 36° | Nov 26 | Dec 6 | Dec 13 | Dec 20 | Dec 25 | Dec 31 | Jan 7 | Jan 15 | Jan 27 |
📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations
- St Petersburg, FL 17.8 mi
- Plant City, FL 22.3 mi
- Tarpon Spgs Sewage Pl, FL 24.6 mi
- Parrish, FL 25.2 mi
- Saint Leo, FL 29.7 mi
- Bradenton, FL 35.4 mi
- Weeki Wachee, FL 39.7 mi
- Bartow, FL 42.7 mi
- Brooksville Chin Hill, FL 46.1 mi
- Winter Haven, FL 50.3 mi
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Data is provided by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.