Frost dates for 85041 — Phoenix, AZ
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 9 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Phoenix compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Phoenix fall between December 16 and January 21. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 29, or the last frost as late as February 20.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 24 |
| 50% (median) | January 21 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 20 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 29 |
| 50% (median) | December 16 |
| 90% (late) | January 9 |
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
Phoenix, 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 South Phoenix, AZ weather station, 3 km away (elevation 1,155 ft (352 m)).
ZIP codes in Phoenix: 85001 85002 85003 85004 85005 85006 85007 85008 85009 85010 85011 85012 85013 85014 85015 85016 85017 85018 85019 85020 85021 85022 85023 85024 85025 85026 85027 85028 85029 85030 85031 85032 85033 85034 85035 85036 85037 85038 85039 85040 85041 85042 85043 85044 85045 85046 85048 85050 85051 85053 85054 85060 85061 85062 85063 85064 85065 85066 85067 85068 …
Frost dates near Phoenix
- Laveen Jan 14 · Dec 22
- Tempe Feb 13 · Dec 5
- Tolleson Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Luke Air Force Base Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Cashion Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Paradise Valley Jan 6 · Dec 26
- Avondale Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Glendale Jan 20 · Dec 15
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Phoenix, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Phoenix, AZ is January 21. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 20, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Phoenix, AZ?
The median first fall frost is December 16, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 29.
How long is the growing season in Phoenix, AZ?
About 329 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Phoenix, AZ?
Phoenix, AZ is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.