Last spring frost
Feb 13
Frost Dates for Tempe, AZ
First fall frost
Dec 5
Growing season
298 days
Hardiness zone
9b
In an average year around Tempe, AZ, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 13 and the first fall frost is about Dec 5, giving roughly a 298-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 12 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 7 | Mar 8 | Feb 14 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 9 | Feb 13 | Jan 12 |
| Hard (28°F) | Feb 19 | Jan 16 | Dec 19 |
| Severe (24°F) | Jan 28 | Jan 3 | Dec 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 7 | Mar 28 | Mar 20 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 | Feb 27 | Feb 21 | Feb 14 |
| 32°F | Mar 9 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 | Feb 18 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 23 | Jan 12 |
| 28°F | Feb 19 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 24 | Jan 16 | Jan 10 | Jan 4 | Dec 30 | Dec 19 |
| 24°F | Jan 28 | Jan 17 | Jan 11 | Jan 6 | Jan 3 | Dec 31 | Dec 26 | Dec 19 | Dec 6 |
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 7 | Nov 26 | Dec 9 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 18 | Dec 5 | Dec 24 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 27 | Dec 19 | Jan 19 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 4 | Dec 31 | Jan 24 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 7 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Nov 29 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 |
| 32°F | Nov 18 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 9 | Dec 12 | Dec 16 | Dec 24 |
| 28°F | Nov 27 | Dec 4 | Dec 10 | Dec 14 | Dec 19 | Dec 24 | Dec 30 | Jan 4 | Jan 19 |
| 24°F | Dec 4 | Dec 13 | Dec 20 | Dec 26 | Dec 31 | Jan 2 | Jan 5 | Jan 11 | Jan 24 |
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: Tempe Asu, Az, about 4.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,167 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 Tempe, AZ?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Tempe, AZ is about Feb 13. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 12.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Tempe, AZ typically arrives about Dec 5. 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 13 on average, or Jan 12 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 298 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 85283 Planting calendar → Arizona frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026