Last spring frost
May 7
Frost Dates for Shonto, AZ
First fall frost
Oct 15
Growing season
159 days
Hardiness zone
7a
In an average year around Shonto, AZ, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 7 and the first fall frost is about Oct 15, giving roughly a 159-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 23 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) | Jun 6 | May 20 | May 3 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 26 | May 7 | Apr 23 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 12 | Apr 28 | Apr 11 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 2 | Apr 14 | Mar 22 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 6 | Jun 1 | May 29 | May 23 | May 20 | May 16 | May 12 | May 8 | May 3 |
| 32°F | May 26 | May 20 | May 14 | May 10 | May 7 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 23 |
| 28°F | May 12 | May 7 | May 3 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 11 |
| 24°F | May 2 | Apr 26 | Apr 22 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 1 | Mar 22 |
| 20°F | Apr 16 | Apr 10 | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 25 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 6 | Feb 26 |
| 16°F | Apr 1 | Mar 17 | Mar 9 | Mar 5 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 19 | Feb 13 | Feb 3 |
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) | Sep 21 | Oct 6 | Oct 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 30 | Oct 15 | Nov 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 7 | Oct 27 | Nov 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 18 | Nov 7 | Nov 22 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 21 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 9 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 22 |
| 32°F | Sep 30 | Oct 4 | Oct 8 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Nov 1 |
| 28°F | Oct 7 | Oct 15 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 13 |
| 24°F | Oct 18 | Oct 24 | Oct 29 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 |
| 20°F | Oct 30 | Nov 6 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Dec 3 |
| 16°F | Nov 10 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 15 |
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: Betatakin, Az, about 15 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 7,286 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 Shonto, AZ?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Shonto, AZ is about May 7. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 23.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Shonto, AZ typically arrives about Oct 15. 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 May 7 on average, or Apr 23 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 159 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 86044 Planting calendar → Arizona frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026