When is the last frost in Bartow, FL?

For ZIP code 33831, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 24, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Bartow 1Se, FL weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 20.

When is the first frost in Bartow, FL?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is January 7. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 17, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 33831?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 352 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 33831Bartow, FL

The average last spring frost in Bartow is January 24 and the average first fall frost is January 7, giving a typical growing season of about 352 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Jan 24
Average first fall frost: Jan 7
Growing season: 352 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 9 · Feb 6 · Mar 7	Dec 2 · Dec 30 · Jan 28	319 days	95%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Dec 27 · Jan 24 · Feb 20	Dec 17 · Jan 7 · Feb 6	352 days	65%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 26 · Jan 19 · Feb 8	Dec 25 · Jan 11 · Feb 6	365 days	23%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 33831 is matched to the NOAA station Bartow 1Se, FL, 1.5 km away, at 111 ft elevation (14 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
Bartow 1Se, FL (used)	111 ft	Jan 24	Jan 7
Winter Haven, FL	145 ft	Jan 16	Jan 9
Lakeland 2, FL	139 ft	Jan 26	Jan 9
Winter Haven Gilbert Ap, FL	146 ft	Jan 15	Jan 10

Frost dates near Bartow

Bartow, FL 33830 · last Jan 24, first Jan 7
Highland City, FL 33846 · last Jan 24, first Jan 7
Homeland, FL 33847 · last Jan 24, first Jan 7
Lakeland, FL 33812 · last Jan 24, first Jan 7
Eagle Lake, FL 33839 · last Jan 15, first Jan 10
Winter Haven, FL 33880 · last Jan 15, first Jan 10
Eaton Park, FL 33840 · last Jan 26, first Jan 9
Mulberry, FL 33860 · last Jan 26, first Jan 9

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Bartow, FL?: For ZIP code 33831, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 24, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Bartow 1Se, FL weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 20.
When is the first frost in Bartow, FL?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is January 7. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 17, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 33831?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 352 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.