Last spring frost
Jan 26
Frost Dates for Vail, AZ
First fall frost
Dec 16
Growing season
326 days
Hardiness zone
9a
In an average year around Vail, AZ, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jan 26 and the first fall frost is about Dec 16, giving roughly a 326-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Dec 24 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) | Mar 18 | Feb 22 | Jan 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Feb 25 | Jan 26 | Dec 24 |
| Hard (28°F) | Feb 9 | Jan 7 | Dec 14 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 8 | Jan 6 | Dec 17 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Mar 18 | Mar 8 | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 | Feb 15 | Feb 9 | Feb 2 | Jan 22 |
| 32°F | Feb 25 | Feb 14 | Feb 6 | Feb 2 | Jan 26 | Jan 17 | Jan 9 | Jan 1 | Dec 24 |
| 28°F | Feb 9 | Feb 3 | Jan 25 | Jan 13 | Jan 7 | Jan 1 | Dec 29 | Dec 22 | Dec 14 |
| 24°F | Feb 8 | Feb 2 | Jan 13 | Jan 10 | Jan 6 | Jan 1 | Dec 30 | Dec 25 | Dec 17 |
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 16 | Dec 2 | Dec 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 26 | Dec 16 | Jan 17 |
| Hard (28°F) | Dec 9 | Dec 28 | Feb 3 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 17 | Jan 5 | Feb 8 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 5 | Dec 8 | Dec 12 | Dec 18 |
| 32°F | Nov 26 | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 12 | Dec 16 | Dec 20 | Dec 24 | Jan 1 | Jan 17 |
| 28°F | Dec 9 | Dec 14 | Dec 19 | Dec 24 | Dec 28 | Jan 2 | Jan 10 | Jan 21 | Feb 3 |
| 24°F | Dec 17 | Dec 23 | Dec 28 | Dec 31 | Jan 5 | Jan 8 | Jan 12 | Feb 1 | Feb 8 |
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: Saguaro Np, Az, about 12.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 3,080 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 Vail, AZ?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Vail, AZ is about Jan 26. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Dec 24.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Vail, 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 Jan 26 on average, or Dec 24 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 326 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 85641 Planting calendar → Arizona frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026