Frost dates for 85702 — Tucson, AZ
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 5 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Tucson compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Tucson fall between December 17 and January 20. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 28, or the last frost as late as February 18.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 19 |
| 50% (median) | January 20 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 18 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 28 |
| 50% (median) | December 17 |
| 90% (late) | January 12 |
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
Tucson, 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 Tucson Wfo, AZ weather station, 3 km away (elevation 2,434 ft (742 m)).
ZIP codes in Tucson: 85701 85702 85703 85704 85705 85706 85707 85708 85709 85710 85711 85712 85713 85714 85715 85716 85717 85718 85719 85720 85721 85722 85723 85724 85725 85726 85728 85730 85731 85732 85733 85734 85735 85736 85737 85739 85740 85741 85742 85743 85744 85745 85746 85747 85748 85749 85750 85751 85752 85754 85755 85756 85757 85775
Frost dates near Tucson
- Mount Lemmon Apr 1 · Nov 19
- Cortaro Feb 26 · Dec 4
- Rillito Feb 23 · Dec 6
- Sahuarita Feb 25 · Nov 27
- Catalina Apr 2 · Nov 11
- Vail Jan 26 · Dec 16
- Marana Feb 23 · Dec 6
- Green Valley Feb 25 · Nov 27
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Tucson, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Tucson, AZ is January 20. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 18, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Tucson, AZ?
The median first fall frost is December 17, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 28.
How long is the growing season in Tucson, AZ?
About 331 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Tucson, AZ?
Tucson, AZ is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.