Last spring frost
Apr 18
Frost Dates for Elgin, AZ
First fall frost
Nov 1
Growing season
195 days
Hardiness zone
8a
In an average year around Elgin, AZ, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 18 and the first fall frost is about Nov 1, giving roughly a 195-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 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.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | May 16 | Apr 30 | Apr 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 3 | Apr 18 | Apr 4 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 21 | Apr 2 | Mar 8 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 2 | Mar 7 | Feb 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 16 | May 10 | May 6 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 28 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 |
| 32°F | May 3 | Apr 29 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 4 |
| 28°F | Apr 21 | Apr 14 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 | Mar 23 | Mar 17 | Mar 8 |
| 24°F | Apr 2 | Mar 24 | Mar 16 | Mar 10 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 25 | Feb 19 | Feb 9 |
| 20°F | Mar 9 | Mar 3 | Feb 25 | Feb 18 | Feb 12 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 25 | Jan 13 |
| 16°F | Feb 28 | Feb 17 | Feb 8 | Feb 3 | Jan 28 | Jan 19 | Jan 12 | Jan 4 | Dec 23 |
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 9 | Oct 22 | Nov 3 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 18 | Nov 1 | Nov 15 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 29 | Nov 14 | Nov 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 8 | Nov 24 | Dec 12 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 9 | Oct 13 | Oct 17 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 3 |
| 32°F | Oct 18 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 |
| 28°F | Oct 29 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 |
| 24°F | Nov 8 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 12 |
| 20°F | Nov 20 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 | Dec 15 | Dec 20 | Dec 27 | Jan 4 |
| 16°F | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Dec 30 | Jan 3 | Jan 11 | Jan 23 | Feb 3 |
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: Elgin 5 S, Az, about 3.7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 4,811 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 Elgin, AZ?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Elgin, AZ is about Apr 18. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 4.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Elgin, AZ typically arrives about Nov 1. 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 18 on average, or Apr 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 195 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 85611 Planting calendar → Arizona frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026