Rio Verde, 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 Rio Verde compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Rio Verde 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, 26 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
Rio Verde, 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, 14 km away (elevation 1,581 ft (482 m)).
Frost dates near Rio Verde
- Fort Mcdowell Jan 6 · Dec 28
- Fountain Hills Jan 6 · Dec 28
- Carefree Feb 4 · Dec 16
- Scottsdale Jan 6 · Dec 26
- Cave Creek Feb 4 · Dec 16
- Paradise Valley Jan 6 · Dec 26
- Tortilla Flat Jan 29 · Dec 24
- Mesa Feb 1 · Dec 10
- Tonto Basin Mar 7 · Nov 20
- Apache Junction Feb 11 · Dec 10
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Rio Verde, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Rio Verde, 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 Rio Verde, 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 Rio Verde, AZ?
About 356 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Rio Verde, AZ?
Rio Verde, AZ is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.