Frost dates for 32952 — Merritt Island, 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 Merritt Island compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Merritt Island fall between January 9 and January 24. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 20, or the last frost as late as February 24.
- Compared with Melbourne, FL, 21 km away, the last frost here is 4 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 29 |
| 50% (median) | January 24 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 24 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 20 |
| 50% (median) | January 9 |
| 90% (late) | February 13 |
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
Merritt Island, 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 Wfo, FL weather station, 18 km away (elevation 36 ft (11 m)).
ZIP codes in Merritt Island: 32952 32953 32954
Frost dates near Merritt Island
- Orlando (Brevard) Jan 24 · Jan 9
- Sharpes Jan 24 · Jan 9
- Cocoa Beach Jan 24 · Jan 9
- Rockledge Jan 24 · Jan 9
- Satellite Beach Jan 24 · Jan 9
- Patrick Afb Jan 24 · Jan 9
- Cape Canaveral Jan 29 · Jan 16
- Cocoa Jan 29 · Jan 16
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Merritt Island, FL?
The median last spring frost in Merritt Island, FL is January 24. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 24, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Merritt Island, FL?
The median first fall frost is January 9, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 20.
How long is the growing season in Merritt Island, FL?
About 350 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Merritt Island, FL?
Merritt Island, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.