Frost dates for 85704 — Tucson, AZ
How Tucson compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Tucson falls between January 29 and March 18, a 48-day window. The first fall frost falls between November 17 and December 19.
- The median last frost is 49 days earlier than the Arizona median of Apr 16.
- Its 281-day growing season is longer than 95% of the 193 Arizona places with a regular frost season (state median 197 days).
- The last frost is 5 days earlier than the zone 9a median of Mar 3. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 9a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 20 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 29 |
| 50% (median) | February 26 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 18 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 17 |
| 50% (median) | December 4 |
| 90% (late) | December 19 |
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 Tucson, AZ
Frost dates for 85704 — Tucson, AZ — last frost Feb 26, first frost Dec 4, zone 9a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Tucson, AZ
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Dec 4 – Dec 18 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | — | — |
| Peppers | Dec 18 – Jan 1 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Dec 18 – Jan 1 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Jan 29 – Mar 5 | Oct 9 – Nov 6 |
| Kale | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Sep 25 – Oct 16 |
| Broccoli | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — | Aug 28 – Sep 18 |
| Cabbage | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | — | Aug 28 – Sep 18 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — | Aug 28 – Sep 18 |
| Okra | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | — |
| Basil | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Jan 15 – Feb 5 | Sep 11 – Oct 2 |
| Spinach | — | — | Jan 15 – Feb 5 | Oct 9 – Oct 30 |
| Radishes | — | — | Jan 22 – Mar 5 | Oct 23 – Nov 13 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 29 – Feb 5 | Mar 12 – Mar 19 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Sep 18 – Oct 2 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 29 – Feb 5 | — | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Sep 25 – Oct 9 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 29 – Feb 5 | — | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 29 – Feb 5 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Feb 5 – Mar 5 | Sep 11 – Sep 25 |
| Beets | — | — | Feb 5 – Mar 5 | Sep 25 – Oct 9 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Feb 5 – Feb 26 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Feb 12 – Mar 12 | Sep 25 – Oct 9 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Feb 12 – Mar 5 | Oct 9 – Oct 30 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Mar 5 – Mar 26 | Sep 18 – Oct 2 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Mar 12 – Apr 2 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 20 – Dec 25 |
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 Tohono Chul, AZ weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 2,526 ft (770 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
- Cortaro Feb 26 · Dec 4
- Rillito Feb 23 · Dec 6
- Catalina Apr 2 · Nov 11
- Mount Lemmon Apr 1 · Nov 19
- Marana Feb 23 · Dec 6
- Oracle Mar 23 · Nov 22
- Red Rock Feb 6 · Dec 9
- Sahuarita Feb 25 · Nov 27
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Tucson, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Tucson, AZ is February 26. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 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 4, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 17.
How long is the growing season in Tucson, AZ?
About 281 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Tucson, AZ?
Tucson, AZ is in USDA hardiness zone 9a.