Frost Dates for Fort Myers, FL 33905
Last spring frost January 4 · First fall frost January 16 · 12 frost-free days · USDA Zone 10a
ZIP 33905 has about 41,400 people, the largest of 11 ZIP codes in Fort Myers.
Short season: 12 frost-free days.
Frost probability for 33905
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | February 13 | January 4 | — |
| Fall (first frost) | December 10 | January 16 | — |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at PUNTA GORDA 4 ESE (36.0 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Frost dates by ZIP code in Fort Myers, FL
| ZIP | Last spring frost (50%) | First fall frost (50%) | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33905 | January 4 | January 16 | 10a |
| 33908 | — | — | 10b |
| 33913 | — | — | 10a |
| 33919 | — | — | 10b |
| 33967 | — | — | 10b |
| 33916 | January 4 | January 16 | 10b |
| 33907 | — | — | 10b |
| 33901 | January 4 | January 16 | 10b |
| 33912 | — | — | 10b |
| 33966 | January 4 | January 16 | 10b |
| 33965 | — | — | 10a |
Which crops fit a 12-day season in Fort Myers
In Fort Myers (12 frost-free days, a short season), 11 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 1 get two plantings, 3 need an indoor start, 2 need a faster variety, 38 don't reliably mature, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Nov 30 | Jan 18–Jan 25 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; Fort Myers has 0 after Jan 18. | — |
| Pepper | Nov 23 | Jan 18–Jan 25 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Fort Myers has 0 after Jan 18. | — |
| Lettuce | Nov 9 | Dec 7–Dec 14 | 47 | fits: 45 days to maturity, 47 available after Dec 7. | — |
| Carrots | — | Dec 14–Dec 21 | 54 | tight: Direct-sow only; pick a variety under 54 days. | — |
| Cucumber | Dec 14 | Jan 18–Jan 25 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 60 days; Fort Myers has 0 after Jan 18. | — |
| Beans | — | Jan 11–Jan 25 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 60 days; Fort Myers has 0 after Jan 11. | — |
| Peas | — | Nov 9–Jan 18 | 75 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 75 available after Nov 9. | — |
| Zucchini | Dec 21 | Jan 18–Jan 25 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 55 days; Fort Myers has 0 after Jan 18. | — |
| Onion | Oct 12 | Dec 7–Dec 21 | 47 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; Fort Myers has 47 after Dec 7. | — |
| Spinach | — | Nov 9–Dec 28 | 89 | fits: 40 days to maturity, 89 available after Nov 9. | Dec 14 |
| Kale | Oct 26 | Dec 7–Dec 21 | 61 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 61 available after Dec 7. | — |
| Broccoli | Nov 9 | Dec 7–Dec 21 | 47 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; Fort Myers has 47 after Dec 7. | — |
| Cabbage | Nov 9 | Dec 7–Dec 21 | 61 | head-start: Even planted out Dec 7, the outdoor season is about 9 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Radish | — | Nov 9–Feb 1 | 75 | two-plantings: Plant Nov 9 and again by Dec 15; both mature before Jan 23. | Dec 15 |
| Beets | — | Nov 9–Feb 1 | 75 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 75 available after Nov 9. | Nov 15 |
| Potatoes | — | Dec 21–Dec 28 | 33 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; Fort Myers has 33 after Dec 21. | — |
| Garlic | — | Jan 16 | 117 | overwinter: Plant Jan 16 to Feb 6; harvest the following summer. | Feb 6 |
| Strawberry | — | Nov 30–Jan 25 | 68 | perennial: A perennial: plant Nov 30; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Dec 7 | Jan 11–Jan 18 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Fort Myers has 0 after Jan 11. | — |
| Pumpkin | Dec 21 | Jan 18–Jan 18 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; Fort Myers has 0 after Jan 18. | — |
| Cauliflower | Nov 23 | Dec 28–Jan 11 | 26 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Fort Myers has 26 after Dec 28. | — |
| Swiss Chard | Nov 9 | Dec 21–Dec 21 | 33 | no-fit: Needs 55 days; Fort Myers has 33 after Dec 21. | — |
| Arugula | — | Nov 9–Feb 1 | 89 | fits: 40 days to maturity, 89 available after Nov 9. | Dec 14 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Nov 9 | Dec 7–Dec 21 | 61 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; Fort Myers has 61 after Dec 7. | — |
| Butternut Squash | Dec 21 | Jan 18–Jan 25 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; Fort Myers has 0 after Jan 18. | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 16 | Jan 18–Jan 25 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 70 days; Fort Myers has 0 after Jan 18. | — |
| Okra | Dec 7 | Jan 11–Jan 18 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 55 days; Fort Myers has 0 after Jan 11. | — |
| Basil | Nov 30 | Jan 25–Jan 25 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 60 days; Fort Myers has 0 after Jan 25. | — |
| Cilantro | — | Dec 7–Dec 28 | 47 | tight: Direct-sow only; pick a variety under 47 days. | — |
| Parsley | Oct 26 | Jan 11–Jan 18 | 12 | no-fit: Needs 70 days; Fort Myers has 12 after Jan 11. | — |
| Celery | Oct 26 | Jan 11–Jan 25 | 12 | no-fit: Needs 120 days; Fort Myers has 12 after Jan 11. | — |
| Scallions | Oct 26 | Dec 7–Dec 21 | 61 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 61 available after Dec 7. | — |
| Turnip | — | Dec 7–Dec 21 | 61 | fits: 50 days to maturity, 61 available after Dec 7. | — |
| Kohlrabi | — | Nov 23–Dec 7 | 75 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 75 available after Nov 23. | Nov 29 |
| Bok Choy | Dec 7 | Dec 28–Jan 4 | 26 | head-start: Even planted out Dec 28, the outdoor season is about 19 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Collards | Oct 26 | Dec 7–Dec 21 | 61 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 61 available after Dec 7. | — |
| Cantaloupe | Dec 21 | Jan 18–Jan 25 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 85 days; Fort Myers has 0 after Jan 18. | — |
| Chives | Oct 12 | Jan 11–Jan 18 | 26 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; Fort Myers has 26 after Jan 11. | — |
| Dill | — | Nov 9–Feb 1 | 75 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 75 available after Nov 9. | Nov 15 |
| Oregano | Oct 26 | Jan 11–Jan 18 | 26 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; Fort Myers has 26 after Jan 11. | — |
| Rosemary | Oct 12 | Jan 11–Jan 18 | 12 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; Fort Myers has 12 after Jan 11. | — |
| Sage | Nov 9 | Jan 11–Jan 18 | 26 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Fort Myers has 26 after Jan 11. | — |
| Thyme | Oct 26 | Jan 11–Jan 18 | 26 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; Fort Myers has 26 after Jan 11. | — |
| Calendula | Nov 23 | Dec 21–Jan 4 | 33 | head-start: Even planted out Dec 21, the outdoor season is about 17 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Cosmos | Dec 7 | Jan 4–Jan 18 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 60 days; Fort Myers has 0 after Jan 4. | — |
| Lavender | Oct 12 | Jan 4–Jan 18 | 33 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; Fort Myers has 33 after Jan 4. | — |
| Marigolds | Nov 23 | Jan 4–Jan 11 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 50 days; Fort Myers has 0 after Jan 4. | — |
| Melons | Dec 21 | Jan 18–Jan 25 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 85 days; Fort Myers has 0 after Jan 18. | — |
| Mint | — | Jan 4–Jan 18 | 33 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; Fort Myers has 33 after Jan 4. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Dec 7 | Jan 4–Jan 11 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 55 days; Fort Myers has 0 after Jan 4. | — |
| Pole Beans | — | Jan 11–Jan 25 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 65 days; Fort Myers has 0 after Jan 11. | — |
| Spaghetti Squash | Dec 21 | Jan 18–Jan 25 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; Fort Myers has 0 after Jan 18. | — |
| Sunflowers | — | Jan 4–Jan 18 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 70 days; Fort Myers has 0 after Jan 4. | — |
| Tomatillos | Nov 9 | Jan 11–Jan 18 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Fort Myers has 0 after Jan 11. | — |
| Watermelon | Dec 21 | Jan 11–Jan 18 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; Fort Myers has 0 after Jan 11. | — |
| Yellow Squash | Dec 21 | Jan 18–Jan 25 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 55 days; Fort Myers has 0 after Jan 18. | — |
| Zinnias | Dec 7 | Jan 4–Jan 18 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 60 days; Fort Myers has 0 after Jan 4. | — |
Month by month in Fort Myers
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (Jan 4), Beans (Jan 11), Pole Beans (Jan 11), Garlic (Jan 16). Transplant from: Cosmos (Jan 4), Lavender (Jan 4), Marigolds (Jan 4), Mint (Jan 4), Nasturtiums (Jan 4), Zinnias (Jan 4), +23 more. Last frost around January 4. First frost around January 16. |
| February | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Feb 6). |
| March | Transplant warm-season crops outdoors. Sow beans, cucumbers, and squash. |
| April | Main warm-season planting window. Direct sow melons and sweet corn. |
| May | Succession plant lettuce. Keep beds irrigated as temperatures climb. |
| June | Monitor for heat stress. Harvest zucchini and cucumbers frequently. |
| July | Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. Watch for pests. |
| August | Start fall cool-season crops: broccoli, kale, beets, and carrots. |
| September | Plant fall lettuce, spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| October | Start indoors: Chives (Oct 12), Lavender (Oct 12), Onion (Oct 12), Rosemary (Oct 12), Celery (Oct 26), Collards (Oct 26), +5 more. |
| November | Start indoors: Broccoli (Nov 9), Brussel Sprouts (Nov 9), Cabbage (Nov 9), Lettuce (Nov 9), Sage (Nov 9), Swiss Chard (Nov 9), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Nov 9), Beets (Nov 9), Dill (Nov 9), Peas (Nov 9), Radish (Nov 9), Spinach (Nov 9), +1 more. Plant: Strawberry (Nov 30). Last sowing dates: Beets (Nov 15), Dill (Nov 15), Kohlrabi (Nov 29). |
| December | Start indoors: Bok Choy (Dec 7), Corn (Dec 7), Cosmos (Dec 7), Nasturtiums (Dec 7), Okra (Dec 7), Zinnias (Dec 7), +9 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (Dec 7), Turnip (Dec 7), Carrots (Dec 14), Potatoes (Dec 21). Transplant from: Broccoli (Dec 7), Brussel Sprouts (Dec 7), Cabbage (Dec 7), Collards (Dec 7), Kale (Dec 7), Lettuce (Dec 7), +6 more. Last sowing dates: Arugula (Dec 14), Spinach (Dec 14), Radish (Dec 15). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Fort Myers, FL (ZIP 33905)?
The median last spring frost date for Fort Myers, FL (ZIP code 33905) is around January 4. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area.
What is the first fall frost date in Fort Myers, FL?
The median first fall frost date for Fort Myers, FL is around January 16. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around December 10 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Fort Myers, FL?
The frost-free growing season in Fort Myers is about 12 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Fort Myers (12 frost-free days, a short season), 11 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 1 get two plantings, 3 need an indoor start, 2 need a faster variety, 38 don't reliably mature, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Fort Myers, FL?
Fort Myers, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10a (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Fort Myers, FL?
Start tomatoes indoors Nov 30 and plant out Jan 18 in Fort Myers. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Fort Myers?
One spring planting around Dec 7.
When do I plant garlic in Fort Myers?
Jan 16 to Feb 6; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I grow Celery in Fort Myers?
Not reliably outdoors. Needs 120 days; Fort Myers has 12 after Jan 11.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Estero (ZIP 33928) has 365 frost-free days, 353 more than Fort Myers (ZIP 33905). See Estero ZIP 33928 frost dates
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Lehigh Acres, FL 33971 (4.4 mi)
- Frost dates for North Fort Myers, FL 33917 (7.9 mi)
- Frost dates for Estero, FL 33928 (16.4 mi)
- Frost dates for Cape Coral, FL 33914 (17.3 mi)
- Frost dates for Bonita Springs, FL 34135 (20.7 mi)
- When to plant in Fort Myers, FL: month-by-month guide
- When to plant in FL
- When to plant Beets in FL
- When to plant Broccoli in FL
- When to plant Carrots in FL
- When to plant Kale in FL
- When to plant Onions in FL
- When to plant Peas in FL
- Look up another ZIP