Frost Dates for Maricopa, AZ
In Maricopa, AZ, the average last spring frost is around Feb 23 and the average first fall frost around Nov 24, for a growing season of about 274 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Mar 15, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Maricopa 4 N, AZ weather station, 5 miles away, elevation 1,160 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.
Frost probability by date
Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.
| Chance | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Mar 15 | Nov 10 |
| 20% | Mar 8 | Nov 15 |
| 30% | Mar 3 | Nov 18 |
| 40% | Feb 28 | Nov 21 |
| 50% | Feb 23 | Nov 24 |
| 60% | Feb 18 | Nov 27 |
| 70% | Feb 12 | Dec 1 |
| 80% | Feb 4 | Dec 4 |
| 90% | Jan 29 | Dec 8 |
Light frost vs. hard freeze
Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.
| Temperature | Last in spring | First in fall |
|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Mar 12 | Nov 14 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Feb 23 | Nov 24 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Feb 2 | Dec 6 |
Planting calendar for Maricopa
Transplant Mar 2 – Mar 16
Transplant Mar 9 – Mar 23
Transplant Mar 9 – Mar 23
Transplant Mar 2 – Mar 16
Sow or transplant Mar 2 – Mar 16
Sow or transplant Mar 2 – Mar 16
Sow or transplant Mar 9 – Mar 23
Sow or transplant Jan 26 – Feb 9
Fall sowing Sep 29 – Oct 27
Fall sowing Sep 29 – Oct 20
Fall sowing Sep 15 – Sep 29
Sow or transplant Jan 26 – Feb 9
Fall sowing Sep 15 – Oct 13
Transplant Feb 9 – Feb 23
Fall sowing Sep 1 – Sep 15
Transplant Feb 2 – Feb 16
Fall sowing Sep 1 – Sep 15
Fall sowing Sep 1 – Sep 15
Fall sowing Oct 13 – Nov 3
Fall sowing Sep 15 – Sep 29
Plant Jan 26 – Feb 9
Based on the average last frost (Feb 23) and first frost (Nov 24). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.