Last spring frost
Apr 26
Frost Dates for Apple Valley, AZ
First fall frost
Oct 25
Growing season
180 days
Hardiness zone
7b
In an average year around Apple Valley, AZ, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 26 and the first fall frost is about Oct 25, giving roughly a 180-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 6 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 31 | May 8 | Apr 23 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 15 | Apr 26 | Apr 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 2 | Apr 10 | Mar 17 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 12 | Mar 17 | Feb 22 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 31 | May 22 | May 16 | May 12 | May 8 | May 5 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 23 |
| 32°F | May 15 | May 8 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 18 | Apr 13 | Apr 6 |
| 28°F | May 2 | Apr 25 | Apr 20 | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 1 | Mar 27 | Mar 17 |
| 24°F | Apr 12 | Apr 4 | Mar 30 | Mar 24 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 | Feb 22 |
| 20°F | Mar 19 | Mar 10 | Mar 5 | Mar 1 | Feb 25 | Feb 21 | Feb 15 | Feb 10 | Feb 2 |
| 16°F | Mar 3 | Feb 23 | Feb 18 | Feb 13 | Feb 7 | Feb 3 | Jan 28 | Jan 20 | Jan 9 |
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 15 | Oct 29 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 11 | Oct 25 | Nov 9 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 19 | Nov 5 | Nov 19 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 29 | Nov 15 | Nov 29 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Oct 1 | Oct 6 | Oct 9 | Oct 13 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 |
| 32°F | Oct 11 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 9 |
| 28°F | Oct 19 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 |
| 24°F | Oct 29 | Nov 4 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 29 |
| 20°F | Nov 7 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 |
| 16°F | Nov 18 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 12 | Dec 18 | Dec 26 |
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: Colorado City, Az, about 10.3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 5,001 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 Apple Valley, AZ?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Apple Valley, AZ is about Apr 26. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 6.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Apple Valley, AZ typically arrives about Oct 25. 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 26 on average, or Apr 6 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 180 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 86021 Planting calendar → Arizona frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026