Last spring frost
Apr 29
Frost Dates for Payson, AZ
First fall frost
Oct 24
Growing season
176 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around Payson, AZ, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 29 and the first fall frost is about Oct 24, giving roughly a 176-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 13 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) | Jun 4 | May 15 | Apr 29 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 20 | Apr 29 | Apr 13 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 1 | Apr 10 | Mar 20 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 12 | Mar 16 | Feb 23 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 4 | May 31 | May 24 | May 19 | May 15 | May 11 | May 7 | May 3 | Apr 29 |
| 32°F | May 20 | May 12 | May 7 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 13 |
| 28°F | May 1 | Apr 24 | Apr 18 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 30 | Mar 20 |
| 24°F | Apr 12 | Apr 5 | Mar 29 | Mar 23 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 23 |
| 20°F | Mar 19 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 24 | Feb 19 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Jan 26 |
| 16°F | Feb 28 | Feb 20 | Feb 12 | Feb 4 | Jan 29 | Jan 20 | Jan 13 | Jan 4 | Dec 24 |
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) | Oct 1 | Oct 14 | Oct 27 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 11 | Oct 24 | Nov 8 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 21 | Nov 6 | Nov 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 18 | Dec 2 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 1 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 16 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 27 |
| 32°F | Oct 11 | Oct 15 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 24 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 |
| 28°F | Oct 21 | Oct 26 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 |
| 24°F | Nov 1 | Nov 6 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 |
| 20°F | Nov 13 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 | Dec 13 | Dec 21 |
| 16°F | Nov 24 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Dec 27 | Jan 2 | Jan 18 |
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: Payson, Az, about 0.7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 4,850 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 Payson, AZ?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Payson, AZ is about Apr 29. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 13.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Payson, AZ typically arrives about Oct 24. 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 Apr 29 on average, or Apr 13 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 176 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 85541 Planting calendar → Arizona frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026