Frost dates for 85255 — Scottsdale, AZ
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 Scottsdale compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Scottsdale fall between December 21 and January 27. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 28, or the last frost as late as March 5.
- Compared with Phoenix, AZ, 29 km away, the last frost here is 22 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 23 |
| 50% (median) | January 27 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 5 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 28 |
| 50% (median) | December 21 |
| 90% (late) | January 24 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Scottsdale, AZ
Frost dates for 85255 — Scottsdale, AZ — last frost Jan 27, first frost Dec 21, zone 10a. whenisthelastfrost.com
In mild climates, summer heat limits many crops as much as frost does. Use this calendar for spring planting and lean on fall and winter for cool-season crops.
When to plant vegetables in Scottsdale, AZ
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 4 – Nov 18 | Dec 30 – Jan 13 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 18 – Dec 2 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 18 – Dec 2 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 2 – Dec 16 | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 2 – Dec 16 | Jan 6 – Jan 20 | Dec 30 – Feb 3 | Oct 26 – Nov 23 |
| Kale | Dec 2 – Dec 16 | Dec 30 – Jan 13 | Dec 30 – Jan 13 | Oct 12 – Nov 2 |
| Broccoli | Dec 2 – Dec 16 | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | — | Sep 14 – Oct 5 |
| Cabbage | Dec 2 – Dec 16 | Jan 6 – Jan 20 | — | Sep 14 – Oct 5 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 2 – Dec 16 | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | — | Sep 14 – Oct 5 |
| Okra | Dec 16 – Dec 30 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | — |
| Basil | Dec 16 – Dec 30 | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 16 – Jan 6 | Sep 28 – Oct 19 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 16 – Jan 6 | Oct 26 – Nov 16 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 23 – Feb 3 | Nov 9 – Nov 30 |
| Cucumbers | Dec 30 – Jan 6 | Feb 10 – Feb 17 | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Oct 5 – Oct 19 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Dec 30 – Jan 6 | — | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Oct 12 – Oct 26 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Dec 30 – Jan 6 | — | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Dec 30 – Jan 6 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 6 – Feb 3 | Sep 28 – Oct 12 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 6 – Feb 3 | Oct 12 – Oct 26 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 6 – Jan 27 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 13 – Feb 10 | Oct 12 – Oct 26 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 13 – Feb 3 | Oct 26 – Nov 16 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 3 – Feb 24 | Oct 5 – Oct 19 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 10 – Mar 3 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Dec 7 – Jan 11 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Pinnacle Peak, AZ weather station, 4 km away (elevation 2,566 ft (782 m)).
ZIP codes in Scottsdale: 85250 85251 85252 85254 85255 85256 85257 85258 85259 85260 85261 85262 85266 85267 85271
Frost dates near Scottsdale
- Carefree Feb 4 · Dec 16
- Paradise Valley Jan 6 · Dec 26
- Fountain Hills Jan 6 · Dec 28
- Cave Creek Feb 4 · Dec 16
- Rio Verde Jan 6 · Dec 28
- Fort Mcdowell Jan 6 · Dec 28
- Phoenix Jan 5 · Jan 3
- Glendale Jan 20 · Dec 15
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Scottsdale, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Scottsdale, AZ is January 27. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 5, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Scottsdale, AZ?
The median first fall frost is December 21, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 28.
How long is the growing season in Scottsdale, AZ?
About 328 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Scottsdale, AZ?
Scottsdale, AZ is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.