Frost dates for 85706 — Tucson, AZ
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 12 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Tucson compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Tucson fall between December 9 and February 5. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 21, or the last frost as late as March 2.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 4 |
| 50% (median) | February 5 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 2 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 21 |
| 50% (median) | December 9 |
| 90% (late) | January 3 |
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 85706 — Tucson, AZ — last frost Feb 5, first frost Dec 9, zone 9b. whenisthelastfrost.com
In mild climates, summer heat limits many crops as much as frost does. Use this calendar for spring planting and lean on fall and winter for cool-season crops.
When to plant vegetables in Tucson, AZ
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 13 – Nov 27 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 27 – Dec 11 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 27 – Dec 11 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 11 – Dec 25 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 11 – Dec 25 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | Jan 8 – Feb 12 | Oct 14 – Nov 11 |
| Kale | Dec 11 – Dec 25 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | Sep 30 – Oct 21 |
| Broccoli | Dec 11 – Dec 25 | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | — | Sep 2 – Sep 23 |
| Cabbage | Dec 11 – Dec 25 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | — | Sep 2 – Sep 23 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 11 – Dec 25 | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | — | Sep 2 – Sep 23 |
| Okra | Dec 25 – Jan 8 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | — |
| Basil | Dec 25 – Jan 8 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 25 – Jan 15 | Sep 16 – Oct 7 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 25 – Jan 15 | Oct 14 – Nov 4 |
| Radishes | — | — | Jan 1 – Feb 12 | Oct 28 – Nov 18 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 8 – Jan 15 | Feb 19 – Feb 26 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Sep 23 – Oct 7 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 8 – Jan 15 | — | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Sep 30 – Oct 14 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 8 – Jan 15 | — | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 8 – Jan 15 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 15 – Feb 12 | Sep 16 – Sep 30 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 15 – Feb 12 | Sep 30 – Oct 14 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 15 – Feb 5 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 22 – Feb 19 | Sep 30 – Oct 14 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 22 – Feb 12 | Oct 14 – Nov 4 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 12 – Mar 5 | Sep 23 – Oct 7 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 19 – Mar 12 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 25 – Dec 30 |
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 Intl Ap, AZ weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 2,549 ft (777 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
- Sahuarita Feb 25 · Nov 27
- Vail Jan 26 · Dec 16
- Mount Lemmon Apr 1 · Nov 19
- Green Valley Feb 25 · Nov 27
- Cortaro Feb 26 · Dec 4
- Rillito Feb 23 · Dec 6
- Marana Feb 23 · Dec 6
- Catalina Apr 2 · Nov 11
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Tucson, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Tucson, AZ is February 5. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 2, 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 9, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 21.
How long is the growing season in Tucson, AZ?
About 307 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.