Malabar, FL frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 0 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Malabar compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Malabar fall between January 13 and January 16. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 29, or the last frost as late as February 13.
- Compared with Palm Bay, FL, 7 km away, the last frost here is 4 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 30 |
| 50% (median) | January 16 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 13 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 29 |
| 50% (median) | January 13 |
| 90% (late) | February 11 |
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
Malabar, 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 Melbourne Beach A1a, FL weather station, 9 km away (elevation 13 ft (4 m)).
Frost dates near Malabar
- Melbourne Beach Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Palm Bay Jan 20 · Jan 12
- Grant Jan 30 · Jan 11
- Melbourne Jan 20 · Jan 12
- Indialantic Jan 20 · Jan 12
- Roseland Jan 30 · Jan 11
- Sebastian Jan 30 · Jan 11
- Patrick Afb Jan 24 · Jan 9
- Satellite Beach Jan 24 · Jan 9
- Fellsmere Jan 30 · Jan 11
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Malabar, FL?
The median last spring frost in Malabar, FL is January 16. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 13, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Malabar, FL?
The median first fall frost is January 13, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 29.
How long is the growing season in Malabar, FL?
About 362 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Malabar, FL?
Malabar, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.