Frost dates for 85268 — Fountain Hills, 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 Fountain Hills compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Fountain Hills 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, 16 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
Fountain Hills, 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, about 1 km away (elevation 1,581 ft (482 m)).
ZIP codes in Fountain Hills: 85268 85269
Frost dates near Fountain Hills
- Fort Mcdowell Jan 6 · Dec 28
- Rio Verde Jan 6 · Dec 28
- Scottsdale Jan 6 · Dec 26
- Mesa Feb 1 · Dec 10
- Paradise Valley Jan 6 · Dec 26
- Tempe Feb 13 · Dec 5
- Carefree Feb 4 · Dec 16
- Tortilla Flat Jan 29 · Dec 24
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Fountain Hills, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Fountain Hills, 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 Fountain Hills, 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 Fountain Hills, AZ?
About 356 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Fountain Hills, AZ?
Fountain Hills, AZ is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.