Frost dates for 85266 — Scottsdale, AZ
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 6 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Scottsdale compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Scottsdale fall between December 16 and February 4. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 24, or the last frost as late as March 9.
- Compared with Glendale, AZ, 34 km away, the last frost here is 15 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 3 |
| 50% (median) | February 4 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 9 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 24 |
| 50% (median) | December 16 |
| 90% (late) | January 15 |
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 85266 — Scottsdale, AZ — last frost Feb 4, first frost Dec 16, 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 12 – Nov 26 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 26 – Dec 10 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 26 – Dec 10 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | Jan 7 – Feb 11 | Oct 21 – Nov 18 |
| Kale | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 | Oct 7 – Oct 28 |
| Broccoli | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | — | Sep 9 – Sep 30 |
| Cabbage | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | — | Sep 9 – Sep 30 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | — | Sep 9 – Sep 30 |
| Okra | Dec 24 – Jan 7 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | — |
| Basil | Dec 24 – Jan 7 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 24 – Jan 14 | Sep 23 – Oct 14 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 24 – Jan 14 | Oct 21 – Nov 11 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 31 – Feb 11 | Nov 4 – Nov 25 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 7 – Jan 14 | Feb 18 – Feb 25 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Sep 30 – Oct 14 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 7 – Jan 14 | — | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Oct 7 – Oct 21 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 7 – Jan 14 | — | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 7 – Jan 14 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 14 – Feb 11 | Sep 23 – Oct 7 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 14 – Feb 11 | Oct 7 – Oct 21 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 14 – Feb 4 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 21 – Feb 18 | Oct 7 – Oct 21 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 21 – Feb 11 | Oct 21 – Nov 11 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 11 – Mar 4 | Sep 30 – Oct 14 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 18 – Mar 11 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Dec 2 – Jan 6 |
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 Carefree, AZ weather station, 6 km away (elevation 2,530 ft (771 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
- Cave Creek Feb 4 · Dec 16
- Rio Verde Jan 6 · Dec 28
- Paradise Valley Jan 6 · Dec 26
- Fountain Hills Jan 6 · Dec 28
- New River Jan 15 · Dec 22
- Fort Mcdowell Jan 6 · Dec 28
- Peoria Jan 20 · Dec 15
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Scottsdale, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Scottsdale, AZ is February 4. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 9, 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 16, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 24.
How long is the growing season in Scottsdale, AZ?
About 315 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.