Frost dates for 85705 — Tucson, AZ
How Tucson compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Tucson falls between January 16 and March 7, a 50-day window. The first fall frost falls between November 16 and December 20.
- The median last frost is 64 days earlier than the Arizona median of Apr 16.
- Its 294-day growing season is among the longest of the 193 Arizona places with a regular frost season.
- The last frost is 9 days earlier than the zone 9b median of Feb 20. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 9b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 21 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 16 |
| 50% (median) | February 11 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 7 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 16 |
| 50% (median) | December 2 |
| 90% (late) | December 20 |
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 85705 — Tucson, AZ — last frost Feb 11, first frost Dec 2, zone 9b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Tucson, AZ
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 19 – Dec 3 | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | — | — |
| Peppers | Dec 3 – Dec 17 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Dec 3 – Dec 17 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 17 – Dec 31 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 17 – Dec 31 | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Jan 14 – Feb 18 | Oct 7 – Nov 4 |
| Kale | Dec 17 – Dec 31 | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | Sep 23 – Oct 14 |
| Broccoli | Dec 17 – Dec 31 | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | — | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Cabbage | Dec 17 – Dec 31 | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | — | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 17 – Dec 31 | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | — | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Okra | Dec 31 – Jan 14 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | — |
| Basil | Dec 31 – Jan 14 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 31 – Jan 21 | Sep 9 – Sep 30 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 31 – Jan 21 | Oct 7 – Oct 28 |
| Radishes | — | — | Jan 7 – Feb 18 | Oct 21 – Nov 11 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 14 – Jan 21 | Feb 25 – Mar 4 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Sep 16 – Sep 30 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 14 – Jan 21 | — | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Sep 23 – Oct 7 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 14 – Jan 21 | — | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 14 – Jan 21 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 21 – Feb 18 | Sep 9 – Sep 23 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 21 – Feb 18 | Sep 23 – Oct 7 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 21 – Feb 11 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 28 – Feb 25 | Sep 23 – Oct 7 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 28 – Feb 18 | Oct 7 – Oct 28 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 18 – Mar 11 | Sep 16 – Sep 30 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 25 – Mar 18 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 18 – Dec 23 |
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 Tucson U Of A #1, AZ weather station, 2 km away (elevation 2,316 ft (706 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
- Mount Lemmon Apr 1 · Nov 19
- Marana Feb 23 · Dec 6
- Catalina Apr 2 · Nov 11
- Sahuarita Feb 25 · Nov 27
- Vail Jan 26 · Dec 16
- Oracle Mar 23 · Nov 22
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Tucson, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Tucson, AZ is February 11. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 7, 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 2, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 16.
How long is the growing season in Tucson, AZ?
About 294 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.