Last spring frost
Apr 6
Frost Dates for McNeal, AZ
First fall frost
Nov 10
Growing season
215 days
Hardiness zone
8b
In an average year around McNeal, AZ, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 6 and the first fall frost is about Nov 10, giving roughly a 215-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 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) | May 2 | Apr 20 | Apr 5 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Apr 24 | Apr 6 | Mar 12 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 11 | Mar 10 | Feb 14 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 9 | Feb 11 | Jan 15 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 5 |
| 32°F | Apr 24 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 28 | Mar 21 | Mar 12 |
| 28°F | Apr 11 | Apr 4 | Mar 27 | Mar 17 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 14 |
| 24°F | Mar 9 | Mar 2 | Feb 23 | Feb 18 | Feb 11 | Feb 5 | Feb 1 | Jan 26 | Jan 15 |
| 20°F | Feb 21 | Feb 13 | Feb 6 | Jan 31 | Jan 24 | Jan 16 | Jan 9 | Dec 31 | Dec 20 |
| 16°F | Feb 15 | Feb 6 | Feb 1 | Jan 23 | Jan 13 | Jan 7 | Dec 31 | Dec 24 | Dec 12 |
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 17 | Oct 30 | Nov 13 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 25 | Nov 10 | Nov 26 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 5 | Nov 23 | Dec 9 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 20 | Dec 6 | Dec 28 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 17 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 13 |
| 32°F | Oct 25 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 |
| 28°F | Nov 5 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 9 |
| 24°F | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 | Dec 15 | Dec 20 | Dec 28 |
| 20°F | Nov 29 | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 16 | Dec 21 | Dec 28 | Jan 2 | Jan 12 | Jan 30 |
| 16°F | Dec 8 | Dec 17 | Dec 26 | Dec 31 | Jan 6 | Jan 13 | Jan 24 | Feb 1 | Feb 9 |
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: Mc Neal, Az, about 3.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 4,170 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 McNeal, AZ?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around McNeal, AZ is about Apr 6. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 12.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around McNeal, AZ typically arrives about Nov 10. 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 6 on average, or Mar 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 215 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 85617 Planting calendar → Arizona frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026