Frost dates for 85749 — Tucson, AZ
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 8 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Tucson compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Tucson fall between December 16 and January 26. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 26, or the last frost as late as February 25.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 24 |
| 50% (median) | January 26 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 25 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 26 |
| 50% (median) | December 16 |
| 90% (late) | January 17 |
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 85749 — Tucson, AZ — last frost Jan 26, first frost Dec 16, zone 9a. 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 3 – Nov 17 | Dec 29 – Jan 12 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 17 – Dec 1 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 17 – Dec 1 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 1 – Dec 15 | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 1 – Dec 15 | Jan 5 – Jan 19 | Dec 29 – Feb 2 | Oct 21 – Nov 18 |
| Kale | Dec 1 – Dec 15 | Dec 29 – Jan 12 | Dec 29 – Jan 12 | Oct 7 – Oct 28 |
| Broccoli | Dec 1 – Dec 15 | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | — | Sep 9 – Sep 30 |
| Cabbage | Dec 1 – Dec 15 | Jan 5 – Jan 19 | — | Sep 9 – Sep 30 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 1 – Dec 15 | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | — | Sep 9 – Sep 30 |
| Okra | Dec 15 – Dec 29 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | — |
| Basil | Dec 15 – Dec 29 | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 15 – Jan 5 | Sep 23 – Oct 14 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 15 – Jan 5 | Oct 21 – Nov 11 |
| Radishes | — | — | Dec 22 – Feb 2 | Nov 4 – Nov 25 |
| Cucumbers | Dec 29 – Jan 5 | Feb 9 – Feb 16 | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | Sep 30 – Oct 14 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Dec 29 – Jan 5 | — | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | Oct 7 – Oct 21 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Dec 29 – Jan 5 | — | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Dec 29 – Jan 5 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 5 – Feb 2 | Sep 23 – Oct 7 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 5 – Feb 2 | Oct 7 – Oct 21 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 5 – Jan 26 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 12 – Feb 9 | Oct 7 – Oct 21 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 12 – Feb 2 | Oct 21 – Nov 11 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 2 – Feb 23 | Sep 30 – Oct 14 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 9 – Mar 2 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Dec 2 – Jan 6 |
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 Saguaro Np, AZ weather station, 11 km away (elevation 3,081 ft (939 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
- Mount Lemmon Apr 1 · Nov 19
- Catalina Apr 2 · Nov 11
- Vail Jan 26 · Dec 16
- Cortaro Feb 26 · Dec 4
- Oracle Mar 23 · Nov 22
- Rillito Feb 23 · Dec 6
- San Manuel Feb 4 · Dec 8
- Sahuarita Feb 25 · Nov 27
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Tucson, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Tucson, AZ is January 26. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 25, 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 16, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 26.
How long is the growing season in Tucson, AZ?
About 324 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.