Apache Junction, AZ frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 8 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Apache Junction compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Apache Junction fall between December 10 and February 11. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 19, or the last frost as late as March 7.
- Compared with San Tan Valley, AZ, 22 km away, the last frost here is 10 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 5 |
| 50% (median) | February 11 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 7 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 19 |
| 50% (median) | December 10 |
| 90% (late) | January 1 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Apache Junction, AZ
Apache Junction, AZ frost dates — last frost Feb 11, first frost Dec 10, zone 9b. whenisthelastfrost.com
In mild climates, summer heat limits many crops as much as frost does. Use this calendar for spring planting and lean on fall and winter for cool-season crops.
When to plant vegetables in Apache Junction, AZ
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 19 – Dec 3 | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | — | — |
| Peppers | Dec 3 – Dec 17 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Dec 3 – Dec 17 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 17 – Dec 31 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 17 – Dec 31 | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Jan 14 – Feb 18 | Oct 15 – Nov 12 |
| Kale | Dec 17 – Dec 31 | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | Oct 1 – Oct 22 |
| Broccoli | Dec 17 – Dec 31 | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | — | Sep 3 – Sep 24 |
| Cabbage | Dec 17 – Dec 31 | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | — | Sep 3 – Sep 24 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 17 – Dec 31 | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | — | Sep 3 – Sep 24 |
| Okra | Dec 31 – Jan 14 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | — |
| Basil | Dec 31 – Jan 14 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 31 – Jan 21 | Sep 17 – Oct 8 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 31 – Jan 21 | Oct 15 – Nov 5 |
| Radishes | — | — | Jan 7 – Feb 18 | Oct 29 – Nov 19 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 14 – Jan 21 | Feb 25 – Mar 4 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Sep 24 – Oct 8 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 14 – Jan 21 | — | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Oct 1 – Oct 15 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 14 – Jan 21 | — | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 14 – Jan 21 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 21 – Feb 18 | Sep 17 – Oct 1 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 21 – Feb 18 | Oct 1 – Oct 15 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 21 – Feb 11 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 28 – Feb 25 | Oct 1 – Oct 15 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 28 – Feb 18 | Oct 15 – Nov 5 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 18 – Mar 11 | Sep 24 – Oct 8 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 25 – Mar 18 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 26 – Dec 31 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Apache Junction 5 Ne, AZ weather station, 9 km away (elevation 2,070 ft (631 m)).
ZIP codes in Apache Junction: 85117 85119 85120 85178
Frost dates near Apache Junction
- Gold Canyon Feb 11 · Dec 10
- Tortilla Flat Jan 29 · Dec 24
- Queen Creek Feb 1 · Dec 11
- Higley Feb 1 · Dec 11
- San Tan Valley Feb 1 · Dec 11
- Gilbert Feb 1 · Dec 11
- Mesa Feb 1 · Dec 10
- Chandler Heights Feb 1 · Dec 11
- Fort Mcdowell Jan 6 · Dec 28
- Fountain Hills Jan 6 · Dec 28
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Apache Junction, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Apache Junction, AZ is February 11. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 7, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Apache Junction, AZ?
The median first fall frost is December 10, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 19.
How long is the growing season in Apache Junction, AZ?
About 302 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Apache Junction, AZ?
Apache Junction, AZ is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.