Frost dates for 85259 — Scottsdale, AZ
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 Scottsdale compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Scottsdale 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.
- Compared with Mesa, AZ, 20 km away, the last frost here is 26 days earlier than there.
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
Scottsdale, 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, 8 km away (elevation 1,473 ft (449 m)).
ZIP codes in Scottsdale: 85250 85251 85252 85254 85255 85256 85257 85258 85259 85260 85261 85262 85266 85267 85271
Frost dates near Scottsdale
- Fountain Hills Jan 6 · Dec 28
- Paradise Valley Jan 6 · Dec 26
- Fort Mcdowell Jan 6 · Dec 28
- Mesa Feb 1 · Dec 10
- Rio Verde Jan 6 · Dec 28
- Tempe Feb 13 · Dec 5
- Phoenix Jan 5 · Jan 3
- Carefree Feb 4 · Dec 16
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Scottsdale, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Scottsdale, 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 Scottsdale, 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 Scottsdale, AZ?
About 354 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.