Frost dates for 32906 — Palm Bay, FL
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 2 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Palm Bay compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Palm Bay fall between January 12 and January 20. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 27, or the last frost as late as February 14.
- Compared with Orlando, FL, 84 km away, the last frost here is 3 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 31 |
| 50% (median) | January 20 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 14 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 27 |
| 50% (median) | January 12 |
| 90% (late) | February 9 |
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
Palm Bay, 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 Intl Ap, FL weather station, 4 km away (elevation 23 ft (7 m)).
ZIP codes in Palm Bay: 32905 32906 32907 32908 32909 32910 32911
Frost dates near Palm Bay
- Melbourne Jan 20 · Jan 12
- Indialantic Jan 20 · Jan 12
- Melbourne Beach Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Malabar Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Satellite Beach Jan 24 · Jan 9
- Patrick Afb Jan 24 · Jan 9
- Grant Jan 30 · Jan 11
- Orlando (Brevard) Jan 24 · Jan 9
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Palm Bay, FL?
The median last spring frost in Palm Bay, FL is January 20. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 14, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Palm Bay, FL?
The median first fall frost is January 12, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 27.
How long is the growing season in Palm Bay, FL?
About 357 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Palm Bay, FL?
Palm Bay, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.