Homestead (Miami-Dade), FL frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 1 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Homestead compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Homestead fall between January 17 and January 20. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 29, or the last frost as late as February 18.
- Compared with Homestead, FL, 31 km away, the last frost here is 2 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 1 |
| 50% (median) | January 20 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 18 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 29 |
| 50% (median) | January 17 |
| 90% (late) | February 17 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Gardening where frost is rare
Homestead, FL only freezes on a few winter nights, so the usual "plant after the last frost" rule doesn't apply. Heat and rainfall decide the seasons instead:
- Cool-season crops (lettuce, broccoli, peas, carrots) grow best from fall through late winter.
- Warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash) do best planted in late winter to spring, and again in late summer for a fall crop — midsummer heat can stop tomatoes setting fruit.
- Heat lovers (okra, sweet potatoes, melons) can be planted through spring and early summer.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Royal Palm Rs, FL weather station, 12 km away (elevation 7 ft (2 m)).
Frost dates near Homestead
- Key Largo rare frost
- Homestead Jan 18 · Jan 13
- Tavernier rare frost
- Islamorada rare frost
- Long Key rare frost
- Coral Gables rare frost
- Key Biscayne rare frost
- Miami rare frost
- Hialeah rare frost
- Key Colony Beach rare frost
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Homestead, FL?
The median last spring frost in Homestead, FL is January 20. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 18, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Homestead, FL?
The median first fall frost is January 17, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 29.
How long is the growing season in Homestead, FL?
About 362 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Homestead, FL?
Homestead, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10b.