Frost dates for 85739 — Tucson, AZ
How Tucson compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Tucson falls between March 16 and April 18, a 33-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 26 and November 29.
- The median last frost is 14 days earlier than the Arizona median of Apr 16.
- Its 223-day growing season is longer than 65% of the 193 Arizona places with a regular frost season (state median 197 days).
- The last frost is 30 days later 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 67 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 16 |
| 50% (median) | April 2 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 18 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 26 |
| 50% (median) | November 11 |
| 90% (late) | November 29 |
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 85739 — Tucson, AZ — last frost Apr 2, first frost Nov 11, zone 9a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Tucson, AZ
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | Mar 5 – Apr 9 | Sep 16 – Oct 14 |
| Kale | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 | Sep 2 – Sep 23 |
| Broccoli | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | — | Aug 5 – Aug 26 |
| Cabbage | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | — | Aug 5 – Aug 26 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 | — | Aug 5 – Aug 26 |
| Okra | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Apr 23 – May 7 | Apr 23 – May 7 | — |
| Basil | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 19 – Mar 12 | Aug 19 – Sep 9 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 19 – Mar 12 | Sep 16 – Oct 7 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 26 – Apr 9 | Sep 30 – Oct 21 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 5 – Mar 12 | Apr 16 – Apr 23 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | Aug 26 – Sep 9 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 5 – Mar 12 | — | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 5 – Mar 12 | — | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 5 – Mar 12 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 12 – Apr 9 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 12 – Apr 9 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 12 – Apr 2 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 16 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 9 | Sep 16 – Oct 7 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 9 – Apr 30 | Aug 26 – Sep 9 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 16 – May 7 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 28 – Dec 2 |
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 Catalina Sp, AZ weather station, 6 km away (elevation 2,707 ft (825 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
- Catalina Apr 2 · Nov 11
- Mount Lemmon Apr 1 · Nov 19
- Oracle Mar 23 · Nov 22
- Cortaro Feb 26 · Dec 4
- Rillito Feb 23 · Dec 6
- Marana Feb 23 · Dec 6
- San Manuel Feb 4 · Dec 8
- Mammoth Feb 4 · Dec 8
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Tucson, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Tucson, AZ is April 2. 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 11, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 26.
How long is the growing season in Tucson, AZ?
About 223 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.