Frost dates for 34948 — Fort Pierce, FL
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 1 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Fort Pierce compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Fort Pierce fall between January 12 and January 22. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 20, or the last frost as late as February 27.
- Fort Pierce shares its weather station with Port Saint Lucie, FL, 9 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 26 |
| 50% (median) | January 22 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 27 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 20 |
| 50% (median) | January 12 |
| 90% (late) | February 12 |
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
Fort Pierce, 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 Ft Pierce, FL weather station, 9 km away (elevation 26 ft (8 m)).
ZIP codes in Fort Pierce: 34945 34946 34947 34948 34949 34950 34951 34954 34979 34981 34982
Frost dates near Fort Pierce
- Port Saint Lucie Jan 22 · Jan 12
- Jensen Beach rare frost
- Palm City Jan 23 · Jan 18
- Stuart Jan 23 · Jan 18
- Vero Beach Jan 18 · Jan 13
- Port Salerno Jan 23 · Jan 18
- Indiantown Jan 26 · Jan 15
- Winter Beach Jan 18 · Jan 13
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Fort Pierce, FL?
The median last spring frost in Fort Pierce, FL is January 22. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 27, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Fort Pierce, FL?
The median first fall frost is January 12, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 20.
How long is the growing season in Fort Pierce, FL?
About 355 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Fort Pierce, FL?
Fort Pierce, FL is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.