Destin, FL frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 6 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Destin compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Destin fall between December 28 and February 5. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 1, or the last frost as late as March 4.
- Nearby Pensacola, FL, 74 km away, has a regular frost season (last frost Feb 14), a reminder of how much elevation and distance from the coast matter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 5 |
| 50% (median) | February 5 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 4 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 1 |
| 50% (median) | December 28 |
| 90% (late) | January 27 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Destin, FL
Destin, FL frost dates — last frost Feb 5, first frost Dec 28, zone 9a. whenisthelastfrost.com
In mild climates, summer heat limits many crops as much as frost does. Use this calendar for spring planting and lean on fall and winter for cool-season crops.
When to plant vegetables in Destin, FL
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 13 – Nov 27 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 27 – Dec 11 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 27 – Dec 11 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 11 – Dec 25 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 11 – Dec 25 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | Jan 8 – Feb 12 | Nov 2 – Nov 30 |
| Kale | Dec 11 – Dec 25 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | Oct 19 – Nov 9 |
| Broccoli | Dec 11 – Dec 25 | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | — | Sep 21 – Oct 12 |
| Cabbage | Dec 11 – Dec 25 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | — | Sep 21 – Oct 12 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 11 – Dec 25 | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | — | Sep 21 – Oct 12 |
| Okra | Dec 25 – Jan 8 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | — |
| Basil | Dec 25 – Jan 8 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 25 – Jan 15 | Oct 5 – Oct 26 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 25 – Jan 15 | Nov 2 – Nov 23 |
| Radishes | — | — | Jan 1 – Feb 12 | Nov 16 – Dec 7 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 8 – Jan 15 | Feb 19 – Feb 26 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Oct 12 – Oct 26 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 8 – Jan 15 | — | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Oct 19 – Nov 2 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 8 – Jan 15 | — | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 8 – Jan 15 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 15 – Feb 12 | Oct 5 – Oct 19 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 15 – Feb 12 | Oct 19 – Nov 2 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 15 – Feb 5 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 22 – Feb 19 | Oct 19 – Nov 2 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 22 – Feb 12 | Nov 2 – Nov 23 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 12 – Mar 5 | Oct 12 – Oct 26 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 19 – Mar 12 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Dec 14 – Jan 18 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Destin Ft Walton Ap, FL weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 23 ft (7 m)).
ZIP codes in Destin: 32540 32541
Frost dates near Destin
- Shalimar Feb 5 · Dec 28
- Valparaiso Mar 12 · Nov 19
- Miramar Beach Feb 5 · Dec 28
- Fort Walton Beach Feb 5 · Dec 28
- Eglin Afb Mar 12 · Nov 19
- Hurlburt Field Feb 5 · Dec 28
- Niceville Mar 12 · Nov 19
- Santa Rosa Beach Feb 5 · Dec 28
- Mary Esther Mar 1 · Nov 27
- Freeport Feb 28 · Nov 28
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Destin, FL?
The median last spring frost in Destin, FL is February 5. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 4, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Destin, FL?
The median first fall frost is December 28, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 1.
How long is the growing season in Destin, FL?
About 326 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Destin, FL?
Destin, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 9a.