Parker, 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 Parker compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Parker fall between December 19 and January 12. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 4, or the last frost as late as February 15.
- Compared with Lake Havasu City, AZ, 37 km away, the last frost here is 7 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 20 |
| 50% (median) | January 12 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 15 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 4 |
| 50% (median) | December 19 |
| 90% (late) | January 10 |
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
Parker, 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 Parker, AZ weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 420 ft (128 m)).
Frost dates near Parker
- Poston Jan 12 · Dec 19
- Bouse Feb 18 · Nov 28
- Lake Havasu City Jan 5 · Dec 29
- Quartzsite Jan 28 · Dec 6
- Ehrenberg Jan 4 · Dec 19
- Topock Jan 6 · Jan 2
- Wenden Mar 4 · Nov 23
- Salome Mar 17 · Nov 19
- Yucca Feb 18 · Dec 2
- Mohave Valley Jan 6 · Jan 2
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Parker, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Parker, AZ is January 12. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 15, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Parker, AZ?
The median first fall frost is December 19, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 4.
How long is the growing season in Parker, AZ?
About 341 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Parker, AZ?
Parker, AZ is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.