Last spring frost
Feb 23
Frost Dates for Avra Valley, AZ
First fall frost
Dec 6
Growing season
287 days
Hardiness zone
9b
In an average year around Avra Valley, AZ, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Feb 23 and the first fall frost is about Dec 6, giving roughly a 287-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Jan 15 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 10 | Mar 15 | Feb 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Mar 22 | Feb 23 | Jan 15 |
| Hard (28°F) | Mar 1 | Jan 22 | Dec 19 |
| Severe (24°F) | Feb 12 | Jan 9 | Dec 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Apr 10 | Apr 1 | Mar 26 | Mar 20 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Feb 28 | Feb 22 |
| 32°F | Mar 22 | Mar 11 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 23 | Feb 16 | Feb 9 | Jan 31 | Jan 15 |
| 28°F | Mar 1 | Feb 15 | Feb 7 | Feb 1 | Jan 22 | Jan 11 | Jan 4 | Dec 30 | Dec 19 |
| 24°F | Feb 12 | Feb 5 | Jan 31 | Jan 22 | Jan 9 | Jan 2 | Dec 29 | Dec 23 | Dec 13 |
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 24 | Dec 10 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Nov 18 | Dec 6 | Dec 25 |
| Hard (28°F) | Nov 30 | Dec 19 | Jan 22 |
| Severe (24°F) | Dec 10 | Jan 1 | Feb 3 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Nov 7 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 |
| 32°F | Nov 18 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 | Dec 3 | Dec 6 | Dec 9 | Dec 12 | Dec 17 | Dec 25 |
| 28°F | Nov 30 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 14 | Dec 19 | Dec 24 | Dec 29 | Jan 5 | Jan 22 |
| 24°F | Dec 10 | Dec 16 | Dec 23 | Dec 27 | Jan 1 | Jan 5 | Jan 14 | Jan 28 | 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: Tucson 17 Nw, Az, about 14.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,561 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 Avra Valley, AZ?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Avra Valley, AZ is about Feb 23. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Jan 15.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Avra Valley, AZ typically arrives about Dec 6. 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 23 on average, or Jan 15 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 287 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 85653 Planting calendar → Arizona frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026