As we get head later into February, the chances for significant cold weather go down.

What You Need To Know

  • Latest freeze in Tampa was March 5, 1893

  • Days can still be chilly through March

  • By mid-March, we really see warmer temperatures

  • There is still some cold air to come

Historically, we look to late February and early March for the last chance for some really cold air to make it into Florida. Following the "No Name Storm" in the middle of March 1993, the air got cold for a day but we didn't see freezing temperatures. The wind was too strong off the Gulf of Mexico. 

The latest occurrence of freezing in Tampa happened on March 5, 1893. 

March 2010 was much colder than normal with many mornings in the 30s and highs in the 50s to low 60s.

But, typically, by the time we get to mid-March, we are already looking toward warm spring weather. Normal temperatures begin approaching 80 degrees for our afternoon highs. The water temperatures warm and the sun angle climbs higher, leading to longer days and more opportunity for warmth.

And, if any weather systems approach us that have some cooler weather, the air mass typically modifies over the Gulf. We have seen this before. Now, that can lead to cool and cloudy days at times, but usually we really are finished with chances for winter weather by the middle of March.

Latest freezes

  • Tampa: March 5, 1893
  • Lakeland: March 9, 1996
  • St. Pete: March 4, 1943
  • Bradenton: March 25, 1915