When is the last frost in Lakeland, FL?

For ZIP code 33802, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 26, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Lakeland 2, FL weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 21.

When is the first frost in Lakeland, FL?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is January 9. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 20, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 33802?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 349 days long.

Are these frost dates a forecast?

No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.

Frost dates for 33802Lakeland, FL

The average last spring frost in Lakeland is January 26 and the average first fall frost is January 9, giving a typical growing season of about 349 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Jan 26
Average first fall frost: Jan 9
Growing season: 349 days

Frost risk by date

NOAA reports frost dates as probabilities. The middle date is the average (a 50% chance). For spring, the 10% date is a safer planting date: frost after it happens in about 1 year in 10. Light frost (36°F) can damage tender plants; a hard freeze (28°F) kills most annuals.

Spring dates: chance of a frost AFTER the date. Fall dates: chance of a frost BEFORE the date.
Temperature	Last spring: 90% / 50% / 10% chance	First fall: 10% / 50% / 90% chance	Growing season (50%)	Years with at least one
Light frost (36°F)	Jan 11 · Feb 8 · Mar 8	Dec 3 · Dec 30 · Jan 26	316 days	96%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Jan 2 · Jan 26 · Feb 21	Dec 20 · Jan 9 · Feb 4	349 days	68%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 30 · Jan 17 · Feb 5	Dec 28 · Jan 13 · Feb 2	365 days	28%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 33802 is matched to the NOAA station Lakeland 2, FL, 4.3 km away, at 139 ft elevation (12 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
Lakeland 2, FL (used)	139 ft	Jan 26	Jan 9
Plant City, FL	110 ft	Jan 30	Jan 6
Bartow 1Se, FL	111 ft	Jan 24	Jan 7
Winter Haven Gilbert Ap, FL	146 ft	Jan 15	Jan 10

Frost dates near Lakeland

Lakeland, FL 33803 · last Jan 26, first Jan 9
Eaton Park, FL 33840 · last Jan 26, first Jan 9
Plant City, FL 33566 · last Jan 30, first Jan 6
Highland City, FL 33846 · last Jan 24, first Jan 7
Mulberry, FL 33860 · last Jan 26, first Jan 9
Nichols, FL 33863 · last Jan 26, first Jan 9
Auburndale, FL 33823 · last Jan 15, first Jan 10
Bartow, FL 33831 · last Jan 24, first Jan 7

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Lakeland, FL?: For ZIP code 33802, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 26, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Lakeland 2, FL weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 21.
When is the first frost in Lakeland, FL?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is January 9. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 20, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 33802?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 349 days long.
Are these frost dates a forecast?: No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.