Frost dates for 32936 — Melbourne, 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 Melbourne compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Melbourne 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.
- Melbourne shares its weather station with Palm Bay, FL, 8 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
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
Melbourne, 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, 3 km away (elevation 23 ft (7 m)).
ZIP codes in Melbourne: 32901 32902 32904 32912 32919 32934 32935 32936 32940 32941
Frost dates near Melbourne
- Indialantic Jan 20 · Jan 12
- Palm Bay Jan 20 · Jan 12
- Melbourne Beach Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Patrick Afb Jan 24 · Jan 9
- Satellite Beach Jan 24 · Jan 9
- Malabar Jan 16 · Jan 13
- Grant Jan 30 · Jan 11
- Orlando (Brevard) Jan 24 · Jan 9
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Melbourne, FL?
The median last spring frost in Melbourne, 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 Melbourne, 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 Melbourne, FL?
About 357 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Melbourne, FL?
Melbourne, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.