Frost dates for 86442 — Bullhead City, AZ
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 2 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Bullhead City compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Bullhead City fall between December 23 and January 4. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 1, or the last frost as late as February 5.
- Compared with Lake Havasu City, AZ, 75 km away, the last frost here is 1 day earlier than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 12 |
| 50% (median) | January 4 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 5 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 1 |
| 50% (median) | December 23 |
| 90% (late) | January 23 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Gardening where frost is rare
Bullhead City, AZ only freezes on a few winter nights, so the usual "plant after the last frost" rule doesn't apply. Heat and rainfall decide the seasons instead:
- Cool-season crops (lettuce, broccoli, peas, carrots) grow best from fall through late winter.
- Warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash) do best planted in late winter to spring, and again in late summer for a fall crop — midsummer heat can stop tomatoes setting fruit.
- Heat lovers (okra, sweet potatoes, melons) can be planted through spring and early summer.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Bullhead City, AZ weather station, 5 km away (elevation 531 ft (162 m)).
ZIP codes in Bullhead City: 86429 86430 86439 86442
Frost dates near Bullhead City
- Fort Mohave Jan 4 · Dec 23
- Oatman Jan 4 · Dec 23
- Mohave Valley Jan 6 · Jan 2
- Topock Jan 6 · Jan 2
- Temple Bar Marina Apr 2 · Nov 11
- Golden Valley Apr 2 · Nov 11
- Chloride Apr 2 · Nov 11
- Yucca Feb 18 · Dec 2
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Bullhead City, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Bullhead City, AZ is January 4. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 5, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Bullhead City, AZ?
The median first fall frost is December 23, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 1.
How long is the growing season in Bullhead City, AZ?
About 353 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Bullhead City, AZ?
Bullhead City, AZ is in USDA hardiness zone 10a.