JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As Halloween approaches, it's not just ghosts and goblins we have to watch out for—here on the First Coast, the weather can be just as unpredictable. From scorching heat to chilly cold snaps, and even the threat of tropical storms, late October is a wild card in our region’s climate history.
Halloween 1993 holds the record for the coldest ever on the First Coast, with temperatures plunging to a frigid 38°F. Trick-or-treaters that year likely had to bundle up under their costumes! On the flip side, the warmest Halloween came more recently in 2019 when the thermometer shot up to a sizzling 93°F. In a dramatic weather twist, a potent cold front swept through that evening, causing some areas to experience nearly a 50-degree drop within 24 hours.
These extreme temperature swings aren’t as rare as one might think. Late October marks the height of autumn, and the First Coast often finds itself caught between lingering summer heat and incoming winter chills. So, whether you're planning a costume party or gearing up for a night of trick-or-treating, it’s always smart to check the forecast!
Though Halloween is a bit late in the year for hurricanes, it's not impossible. In fact, the infamous "1887 Halloween Hurricane" left its mark on First Coast history. This tropical storm passed just south of Jacksonville before moving up the coast, causing at least four shipwrecks from Florida to the Carolinas.
One thing you won’t need to worry about? Snow. Unlike some northern cities, the First Coast has never seen snow on Halloween, so your little ones won’t need to pile on winter coats over their spooky costumes.
For more information on the local forecast please check here at the FCN Weather Center.
