Arlington, AZ frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 9 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Arlington compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Arlington fall between December 15 and January 21. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 27, or the last frost as late as February 18.
- Compared with Buckeye, AZ, 27 km away, the last frost here is 14 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 24 |
| 50% (median) | January 21 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 18 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 27 |
| 50% (median) | December 15 |
| 90% (late) | January 4 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Gardening where frost is rare
Arlington, AZ only freezes on a few winter nights, so the usual "plant after the last frost" rule doesn't apply. Heat and rainfall decide the seasons instead:
- Cool-season crops (lettuce, broccoli, peas, carrots) grow best from fall through late winter.
- Warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash) do best planted in late winter to spring, and again in late summer for a fall crop — midsummer heat can stop tomatoes setting fruit.
- Heat lovers (okra, sweet potatoes, melons) can be planted through spring and early summer.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Painted Rock Dam, AZ weather station, 35 km away (elevation 568 ft (173 m)).
Frost dates near Arlington
- Palo Verde Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Tonopah Jan 21 · Dec 15
- Buckeye Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Goodyear Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Litchfield Park Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Gila Bend Jan 23 · Dec 11
- Waddell Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Avondale Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Cashion Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Tolleson Jan 7 · Dec 24
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Arlington, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Arlington, AZ is January 21. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 18, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Arlington, AZ?
The median first fall frost is December 15, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 27.
How long is the growing season in Arlington, AZ?
About 328 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Arlington, AZ?
Arlington, AZ is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.