The University of Florida campus in the Gainesville area is not immune to winter weather and cold temperatures. Over the last couple of decades, the mean date of the first freeze of the season is December 1st and the mean date of the last freeze is February 27th. In total, the Gainesville area averages around 16 days per year with low temperatures at freezing (32° F) or below. Although rare, the area has experienced freezing rain, sleet, and even snow.

What to Know

• Freeze WATCH – Below-freezing temperatures are possible.
• Freeze WARNING – Below-freezing temperatures are expected.
• Extreme Cold WATCH – dangerously cold air temperatures, or wind chill values, of 15° F are possible.
• Extreme Cold WARNING – dangerously cold air temperatures, or wind chill values, of 15° F are expected or occurring.
• Cold Weather Advisory – cold air temperatures, or wind chill values, of 25° F are expected or occurring.

What to Do

Follow Take Action Guidance when appropriate.

The record low temperature for Gainesville is 6° F, set on February 13, 1899. The coldest temperature recorded in Florida was -2° F in Tallahassee, also on February 13, 1899.

Get More Info

NWS – Winter Safety

Ready.gov – Winter Weather