Fort Mcdowell, AZ frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 4 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Fort Mcdowell compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Fort Mcdowell fall between December 28 and January 6. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 4, or the last frost as late as February 11.
- Compared with Scottsdale, AZ, 20 km away, the last frost here is the same as there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 14 |
| 50% (median) | January 6 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 11 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 4 |
| 50% (median) | December 28 |
| 90% (late) | January 27 |
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
Fort Mcdowell, 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 Fountain Hills, AZ weather station, 3 km away (elevation 1,581 ft (482 m)).
Frost dates near Fort Mcdowell
- Fountain Hills Jan 6 · Dec 28
- Rio Verde Jan 6 · Dec 28
- Scottsdale Jan 6 · Dec 26
- Mesa Feb 1 · Dec 10
- Paradise Valley Jan 6 · Dec 26
- Tortilla Flat Jan 29 · Dec 24
- Apache Junction Feb 11 · Dec 10
- Carefree Feb 4 · Dec 16
- Tempe Feb 13 · Dec 5
- Gilbert Feb 1 · Dec 11
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Fort Mcdowell, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Fort Mcdowell, AZ is January 6. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 11, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Fort Mcdowell, AZ?
The median first fall frost is December 28, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 4.
How long is the growing season in Fort Mcdowell, AZ?
About 356 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Fort Mcdowell, AZ?
Fort Mcdowell, AZ is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.