Frost dates for 85743 — Tucson, AZ
How Tucson compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Tucson falls between January 15 and March 22, a 66-day window. The first fall frost falls between November 18 and December 25.
- The median last frost is 52 days earlier than the Arizona median of Apr 16.
- Its 286-day growing season is longer than 96% of the 193 Arizona places with a regular frost season (state median 197 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 9b, where the median is Feb 20.
- The weather station records an average of 11 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 15 |
| 50% (median) | February 23 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 22 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 18 |
| 50% (median) | December 6 |
| 90% (late) | December 25 |
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 85743 — Tucson, AZ — last frost Feb 23, first frost Dec 6, zone 9b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Tucson, AZ
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Dec 1 – Dec 15 | Jan 26 – Feb 9 | — | — |
| Peppers | Dec 15 – Dec 29 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Dec 15 – Dec 29 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 29 – Jan 12 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 29 – Jan 12 | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | Jan 26 – Mar 2 | Oct 11 – Nov 8 |
| Kale | Dec 29 – Jan 12 | Jan 26 – Feb 9 | Jan 26 – Feb 9 | Sep 27 – Oct 18 |
| Broccoli | Dec 29 – Jan 12 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | — | Aug 30 – Sep 20 |
| Cabbage | Dec 29 – Jan 12 | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | — | Aug 30 – Sep 20 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 29 – Jan 12 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | — | Aug 30 – Sep 20 |
| Okra | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | — |
| Basil | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Jan 12 – Feb 2 | Sep 13 – Oct 4 |
| Spinach | — | — | Jan 12 – Feb 2 | Oct 11 – Nov 1 |
| Radishes | — | — | Jan 19 – Mar 2 | Oct 25 – Nov 15 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 26 – Feb 2 | Mar 9 – Mar 16 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | Sep 20 – Oct 4 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 26 – Feb 2 | — | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | Sep 27 – Oct 11 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 26 – Feb 2 | — | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 26 – Feb 2 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Feb 2 – Mar 2 | Sep 13 – Sep 27 |
| Beets | — | — | Feb 2 – Mar 2 | Sep 27 – Oct 11 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Feb 2 – Feb 23 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Feb 9 – Mar 9 | Sep 27 – Oct 11 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Feb 9 – Mar 2 | Oct 11 – Nov 1 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Mar 2 – Mar 23 | Sep 20 – Oct 4 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Mar 2 – Mar 16 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Mar 9 – Mar 30 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 22 – Dec 27 |
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 17 Nw, AZ weather station, 9 km away (elevation 2,562 ft (781 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
- Rillito Feb 23 · Dec 6
- Marana Feb 23 · Dec 6
- Cortaro Feb 26 · Dec 4
- Catalina Apr 2 · Nov 11
- Red Rock Feb 6 · Dec 9
- Mount Lemmon Apr 1 · Nov 19
- Picacho Feb 6 · Dec 9
- 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 23. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 22, 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 6, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 18.
How long is the growing season in Tucson, AZ?
About 286 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.