Florence, AZ frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 10 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Florence compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Florence fall between December 12 and January 30. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 22, or the last frost as late as February 24.
- Compared with San Tan Valley, AZ, 27 km away, the last frost here is 2 days earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 27 |
| 50% (median) | January 30 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 24 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 22 |
| 50% (median) | December 12 |
| 90% (late) | January 12 |
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 Florence, AZ
Florence, AZ frost dates — last frost Jan 30, first frost Dec 12, 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 Florence, AZ
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 7 – Nov 21 | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 21 – Dec 5 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 21 – Dec 5 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Jan 9 – Jan 23 | Jan 2 – Feb 6 | Oct 17 – Nov 14 |
| Kale | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | Oct 3 – Oct 24 |
| Broccoli | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | — | Sep 5 – Sep 26 |
| Cabbage | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Jan 9 – Jan 23 | — | Sep 5 – Sep 26 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 5 – Dec 19 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | — | Sep 5 – Sep 26 |
| Okra | Dec 19 – Jan 2 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | — |
| Basil | Dec 19 – Jan 2 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 19 – Jan 9 | Sep 19 – Oct 10 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 19 – Jan 9 | Oct 17 – Nov 7 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 26 – Feb 6 | Oct 31 – Nov 21 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 2 – Jan 9 | Feb 13 – Feb 20 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Sep 26 – Oct 10 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 2 – Jan 9 | — | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Oct 3 – Oct 17 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 2 – Jan 9 | — | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 2 – Jan 9 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 9 – Feb 6 | Sep 19 – Oct 3 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 9 – Feb 6 | Oct 3 – Oct 17 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 9 – Jan 30 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 16 – Feb 13 | Oct 3 – Oct 17 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 16 – Feb 6 | Oct 17 – Nov 7 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 6 – Feb 27 | Sep 26 – Oct 10 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 13 – Mar 6 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 28 – Jan 2 |
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 Florence, AZ weather station, 5 km away (elevation 1,401 ft (427 m)).
Frost dates near Florence
- Valley Farms Jan 30 · Dec 12
- Coolidge Feb 17 · Nov 29
- San Tan Valley Feb 1 · Dec 11
- Eloy Feb 24 · Nov 28
- Casa Grande Feb 5 · Dec 6
- Gold Canyon Feb 11 · Dec 10
- Picacho Feb 6 · Dec 9
- Sacaton Feb 1 · Dec 11
- Queen Creek Feb 1 · Dec 11
- Chandler Heights Feb 1 · Dec 11
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Florence, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Florence, AZ is January 30. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 24, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Florence, AZ?
The median first fall frost is December 12, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 22.
How long is the growing season in Florence, AZ?
About 316 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Florence, AZ?
Florence, AZ is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.