Last spring frost
Feb 4
Frost Dates for Scottsdale, AZ
First fall frost
Dec 16
Growing season
313 days
Hardiness zone
10a
In an average year around Scottsdale, AZ, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 4 and the first fall frost is about Dec 16, giving roughly a 313-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 3 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.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Apr 2 | Mar 5 | Jan 31 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 9 | Feb 4 | Jan 3 |
| Hard (28°F) | Feb 22 | Jan 14 | Dec 19 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 14 | Jan 7 | Dec 19 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 2 | Mar 24 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Feb 27 | Feb 20 | Feb 12 | Jan 31 |
| 32°F | Mar 9 | Mar 1 | Feb 20 | Feb 13 | Feb 4 | Jan 30 | Jan 20 | Jan 11 | Jan 3 |
| 28°F | Feb 22 | Feb 10 | Jan 31 | Jan 24 | Jan 14 | Jan 8 | Jan 3 | Dec 29 | Dec 19 |
| 24°F | Feb 14 | Feb 4 | Jan 25 | Jan 15 | Jan 7 | Jan 4 | Jan 2 | Dec 28 | Dec 19 |
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.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Nov 13 | Dec 1 | Dec 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 24 | Dec 16 | Jan 15 |
| Hard (28°F) | Dec 5 | Jan 1 | Feb 9 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 15 | Jan 6 | Feb 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 13 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 12 | Dec 18 |
| 32°F | Nov 24 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 | Dec 16 | Dec 20 | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 15 |
| 28°F | Dec 5 | Dec 15 | Dec 24 | Dec 29 | Jan 1 | Jan 6 | Jan 13 | Jan 26 | Feb 9 |
| 24°F | Dec 15 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 3 | Jan 6 | Jan 10 | Jan 21 | Feb 1 | Feb 11 |
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
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Carefree, Az, about 3.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,530 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
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 Scottsdale, AZ?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Scottsdale, AZ is about Feb 4. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 3.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Scottsdale, AZ typically arrives about Dec 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 Feb 4 on average, or Jan 3 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 313 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 85266 Planting calendar → Arizona frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026