Harman US

Frost Dates for North Merritt Island, FL

Last spring frost
Jan 29
First fall frost
Jan 16
Growing season
353 days
Hardiness zone
10a

In an average year around North Merritt Island, FL, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jan 29 and the first fall frost is about Jan 16, giving roughly a 353-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 4 before setting out tender plants.

Last spring frost

Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.

Last spring frost - North Merritt Island, FL
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Mar 11 Feb 10 Jan 12
Freeze (32°F) Feb 26 Jan 29 Jan 4
Hard (28°F) Feb 7 Jan 17 Jan 1
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Mar 11 Mar 2 Feb 23 Feb 16 Feb 10 Feb 4 Jan 31 Jan 23 Jan 12
32°F Feb 26 Feb 16 Feb 7 Feb 2 Jan 29 Jan 23 Jan 18 Jan 10 Jan 4
28°F Feb 7 Feb 1 Jan 29 Jan 23 Jan 17 Jan 12 Jan 9 Jan 5 Jan 1

First fall frost

Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.

First fall frost - North Merritt Island, FL
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Light (36°F) Dec 17 Jan 8 Feb 9
Freeze (32°F) Dec 29 Jan 16 Feb 17
Hard (28°F) Jan 1 Jan 13 Feb 6
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
36°F Dec 17 Dec 26 Dec 31 Jan 4 Jan 8 Jan 14 Jan 21 Jan 29 Feb 9
32°F Dec 29 Jan 2 Jan 6 Jan 11 Jan 16 Jan 22 Jan 28 Feb 5 Feb 17
28°F Jan 1 Jan 3 Jan 6 Jan 10 Jan 13 Jan 17 Jan 25 Jan 31 Feb 6

Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.

Where this data comes from

These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Titusville 7 E, Fl, about 10.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 3 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.

@endif
How we calculate these dates

Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.

Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in North Merritt Island, FL?

On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around North Merritt Island, FL is about Jan 29. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 4.

When is the first frost in the fall?

The first fall frost around North Merritt Island, FL typically arrives about Jan 16. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.

When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?

Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around Jan 29 on average, or Jan 4 to be safe most years.

How long is the growing season here?

The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 353 days in a typical year.

Are these dates a forecast for this year?

No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.

Local weather for 32953 Planting calendar → Florida frost dates →

Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026