Frost dates for Gainesville, Florida
In a typical year, Gainesville’s last spring frost lands around Mar 3 and the first fall frost around Dec 2, a growing season of about 274 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 9a.
Right now the growing season is open, with about 38 days until the typical first fall frost.
| Odds | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 percent | Feb 1 | Nov 12 |
| 50 percent | Mar 3 | Dec 2 |
| 90 percent | Mar 23 | Jan 1 |
A 10 percent year is an early year, a 90 percent year a late one. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the 90 percent side of the last-frost band.
Soil in Gainesville is typically around 69°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.
Plantable now in Gainesville
- Radish (Cherry Belle)
- Garlic (Music)
- Turnip (Purple Top White Globe)
- Shallot (French Red Shallot)
- Bok choy (Toy Choi)
- Arugula (Surrey)
Timing comes from the same temperature engine the app uses, run against Gainesville’s normals for today.
Common questions
When is the last frost in Gainesville, Florida?
Gainesville’s last spring frost falls around March 3 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by February 1, and one year in ten frost holds on until March 23. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.
When is the first fall frost in Gainesville?
The first fall frost arrives around December 2 in a typical year, as early as November 12 in an early year and as late as January 1 in a late one.
How long is the growing season in Gainesville?
About 274 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.
What USDA zone is Gainesville in?
Gainesville is in USDA hardiness zone 9a under the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Dates come from 30-year NOAA climate normals for the nearest reporting station. They describe odds, not a forecast.
Nearby cities
- Jacksonville, FL (around Feb 1 to Jan 5)
- Palm Coast, FL (around Jan 24 to Jan 11)
- Saint Marys, GA (around Feb 2 to Jan 4)
- Valdosta, GA (around Mar 5 to Nov 27)
- Orlando, FL (around Jan 17 to Jan 13)
Row & Bed is a plant reference built around your garden: your zone, your frost dates, your forecast, and a cited page for every variety in your beds.
Set up your garden