Weather in Lakeland, Florida
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Drizzle21%95°72°
- SundayMay 17Light Showers24%94°73°
- MondayMay 18Overcast—95°71°
- TuesdayMay 19Overcast35%93°71°
- WednesdayMay 20Showers29%92°70°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast30%93°71°
- FridayMay 22Light Drizzle41%94°71°
- PM 2.5
- 7.2 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 9.1 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 5.6 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 95.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:54 AM
- Moonset
- 12:28 AM
- In sign
- ♉︎ Taurus
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Lakeland at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 82°F — typical for the season
- Last frost: February 3 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Peak growing season
As of May 17, the growing season is at its peak — frost is months away. Continue succession-planting beans and summer squash. Start fall brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, kale) from seed indoors for transplanting in late summer.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| March | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | — |
| April | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | — |
| May | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | — | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
August brings Lakeland's highest temperatures (~83°F mean) while January delivers the coldest (~62°F). Rainfall reaches its peak in August (9.1 inches) and drops to its lowest point in November (1.9 inches).
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 62° | 3.0″ | 4 |
| February | 65° | 2.3″ | 4 |
| March | 68° | 3.1″ | 4 |
| April | 73° | 2.8″ | 4 |
| May | 78° | 3.8″ | 6 |
| June | 82° | 8.7″ | 12 |
| July | 83° | 8.8″ | 14 |
| August | 83° | 9.1″ | 14 |
| September | 82° | 7.6″ | 10 |
| October | 76° | 3.0″ | 5 |
| November | 69° | 1.9″ | 3 |
| December | 65° | 2.6″ | 4 |
Regional context
Lakeland belongs to a humid subtropical climate region that extends across nearby cities. This zone shares similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions throughout the area.
Similar climates: Miami, FL, Tampa, FL, Orlando, FL, Jacksonville, FL, Cape Coral, FL.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the distinctive calls of chuck-will's-widows echoing through Lakeland's evening air.
Southern magnolia trees reach full bloom during May, filling the warm nights with their heavy, lemony fragrance.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Lakeland?
- Lakeland's last spring frost typically occurs around mid-February, while the first fall frost arrives around mid-December.
- What is the rainy season in Lakeland?
- August receives the most rainfall with about 9.1 inches on average; the city gets roughly 57 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Lakeland?
- August typically brings the warmest weather, averaging about 83°F.
- What is the coldest month in Lakeland?
- January typically brings the coldest weather, averaging about 62°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Lakeland?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost (mid-February); warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Lakeland get?
- Lakeland experiences about 83 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Lakeland?
- Lakeland's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; use the USDA's online lookup with the city ZIP code for the current zone designation.
Climate
Lakeland, Florida experiences a humid subtropical climate zone. January temperatures hover near 62°F while July averages 83°F, creating a 21°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, Lakeland receives about 57 inches of precipitation spread over roughly 83 rainy days.
Weather patterns here depend on latitude (28.1°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These factors determine what grows locally, when frost occurs, and daily weather conditions.