When is the last frost in Lake Wales, FL?

For ZIP code 33853, the average last spring frost (32°F) is February 4, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Mtn Lake, FL weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after March 11.

When is the first frost in Lake Wales, FL?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is January 4. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 8, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 33853?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 332 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 33853Lake Wales, FL

The average last spring frost in Lake Wales is February 4 and the average first fall frost is January 4, giving a typical growing season of about 332 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Feb 4
Average first fall frost: Jan 4
Growing season: 332 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 22 · Feb 25 · Mar 20	Nov 29 · Dec 21 · Jan 17	301 days	99%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Jan 1 · Feb 4 · Mar 11	Dec 8 · Jan 4 · Feb 10	332 days	82%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 27 · Jan 20 · Feb 21	Dec 17 · Jan 8 · Feb 14	365 days	43%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 33853 is matched to the NOAA station Mtn Lake, FL, 4.4 km away, at 125 ft elevation (16 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
Mtn Lake, FL (used)	125 ft	Feb 4	Jan 4
Winter Haven, FL	145 ft	Jan 16	Jan 9
Bartow 1Se, FL	111 ft	Jan 24	Jan 7
Winter Haven Gilbert Ap, FL	146 ft	Jan 15	Jan 10

Frost dates near Lake Wales

Lake Wales, FL 33898 · last Feb 4, first Jan 4
Waverly, FL 33877 · last Feb 4, first Jan 4
Babson Park, FL 33827 · last Feb 4, first Jan 4
Alturas, FL 33820 · last Feb 4, first Jan 4
Haines City, FL 33845 · last Feb 4, first Jan 4
Winter Haven, FL 33885 · last Feb 4, first Jan 4
Lakeshore, FL 33854 · last Feb 4, first Jan 4
Dundee, FL 33838 · last Feb 4, first Jan 4

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Lake Wales, FL?: For ZIP code 33853, the average last spring frost (32°F) is February 4, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Mtn Lake, FL weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after March 11.
When is the first frost in Lake Wales, FL?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is January 4. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 8, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 33853?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 332 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.