Paradise Valley, AZ frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 3 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Paradise Valley compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Paradise Valley fall between December 26 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 7.
- Paradise Valley shares its weather station with Scottsdale, AZ, 7 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 16 |
| 50% (median) | January 6 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 7 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 4 |
| 50% (median) | December 26 |
| 90% (late) | January 20 |
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
Paradise Valley, 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 Scottsdale Muni Ap, AZ weather station, 9 km away (elevation 1,473 ft (449 m)).
Frost dates near Paradise Valley
- Scottsdale Jan 6 · Dec 26
- Phoenix Jan 5 · Jan 3
- Tempe Feb 13 · Dec 5
- Luke Air Force Base Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Glendale Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Mesa Feb 1 · Dec 10
- Fountain Hills Jan 6 · Dec 28
- Peoria Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Fort Mcdowell Jan 6 · Dec 28
- Chandler Feb 13 · Dec 5
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Paradise Valley, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Paradise Valley, AZ is January 6. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 7, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Paradise Valley, AZ?
The median first fall frost is December 26, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 4.
How long is the growing season in Paradise Valley, AZ?
About 354 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Paradise Valley, AZ?
Paradise Valley, AZ is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.