Frost dates for 32961 — Vero Beach, 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 Vero Beach compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Vero Beach fall between January 13 and January 18. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 27, or the last frost as late as February 11.
- Compared with Port Saint Lucie, FL, 36 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 18 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 11 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 27 |
| 50% (median) | January 13 |
| 90% (late) | February 4 |
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
Vero Beach, 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 Vero Beach 4se, FL weather station, 4 km away (elevation 20 ft (6 m)).
ZIP codes in Vero Beach: 32960 32961 32962 32963 32964 32965 32966 32967 32968 32969
Frost dates near Vero Beach
- Winter Beach Jan 18 · Jan 13
- Wabasso Jan 18 · Jan 13
- Fort Pierce Jan 22 · Jan 12
- Sebastian Jan 30 · Jan 11
- Fellsmere Jan 30 · Jan 11
- Roseland Jan 30 · Jan 11
- Port Saint Lucie Jan 22 · Jan 12
- Grant Jan 30 · Jan 11
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Vero Beach, FL?
The median last spring frost in Vero Beach, FL is January 18. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 11, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Vero Beach, FL?
The median first fall frost is January 13, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 27.
How long is the growing season in Vero Beach, FL?
About 360 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Vero Beach, FL?
Vero Beach, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.