Frost dates for 85736 — Tucson, AZ
How Tucson compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Tucson falls between March 5 and April 18, a 44-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 25 and November 26.
- The median last frost is 20 days earlier than the Arizona median of Apr 16.
- Its 227-day growing season is longer than 73% of the 193 Arizona places with a regular frost season (state median 197 days).
- The last frost is 11 days later than the zone 8b median of Mar 16. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 8b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 54 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 5 |
| 50% (median) | March 27 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 18 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 25 |
| 50% (median) | November 9 |
| 90% (late) | November 26 |
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 85736 — Tucson, AZ — last frost Mar 27, first frost Nov 9, zone 8b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Tucson, AZ
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | Feb 27 – Apr 3 | Sep 14 – Oct 12 |
| Kale | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Aug 31 – Sep 21 |
| Broccoli | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | — | Aug 3 – Aug 24 |
| Cabbage | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | — | Aug 3 – Aug 24 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | — | Aug 3 – Aug 24 |
| Okra | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Apr 17 – May 1 | Apr 17 – May 1 | — |
| Basil | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 13 – Mar 6 | Aug 17 – Sep 7 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 13 – Mar 6 | Sep 14 – Oct 5 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 20 – Apr 3 | Sep 28 – Oct 19 |
| Cucumbers | Feb 27 – Mar 6 | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Feb 27 – Mar 6 | — | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | Aug 31 – Sep 14 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Feb 27 – Mar 6 | — | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Feb 27 – Mar 6 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 6 – Apr 3 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 6 – Apr 3 | Aug 31 – Sep 14 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 6 – Mar 27 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 13 – Apr 10 | Aug 31 – Sep 14 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 13 – Apr 3 | Sep 14 – Oct 5 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 3 – Apr 24 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 10 – May 1 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 26 – Nov 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 Anvil Rch, AZ weather station, 9 km away (elevation 2,759 ft (841 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
- Green Valley Feb 25 · Nov 27
- Arivaca Mar 21 · Nov 20
- Sahuarita Feb 25 · Nov 27
- Amado Apr 5 · Nov 10
- Topawa Apr 26 · Nov 4
- Tubac Apr 5 · Nov 10
- Tumacacori Apr 5 · Nov 10
- Sasabe Mar 21 · Nov 20
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Tucson, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Tucson, AZ is March 27. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 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 November 9, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 25.
How long is the growing season in Tucson, AZ?
About 227 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Tucson, AZ?
Tucson, AZ is in USDA hardiness zone 8b.