Frost dates for 85369 — Yuma, 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 Yuma compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Yuma fall between December 28 and January 8. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 11, or the last frost as late as February 19.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 17 |
| 50% (median) | January 8 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 19 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 11 |
| 50% (median) | December 28 |
| 90% (late) | February 7 |
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
Yuma, 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 Yuma Quartermaster Depot, AZ weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 161 ft (49 m)).
ZIP codes in Yuma: 85364 85365 85366 85367 85369
Frost dates near Yuma
- Somerton rare frost
- Gadsden rare frost
- San Luis rare frost
- Wellton Jan 11 · Dec 21
- Roll Feb 13 · Dec 1
- Tacna Feb 13 · Dec 1
- Cibola Jan 25 · Dec 12
- Ehrenberg Jan 4 · Dec 19
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Yuma, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Yuma, AZ is January 8. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 19, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Yuma, AZ?
The median first fall frost is December 28, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 11.
How long is the growing season in Yuma, AZ?
About 354 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Yuma, AZ?
Yuma, AZ is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.