Frost Dates for Scottsdale, AZ
In Scottsdale, AZ, the average last spring frost is around Jan 27 and the average first fall frost around Dec 21, for a growing season of about 330 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Mar 5, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Pinnacle Peak, AZ weather station, 3 miles away, elevation 2,565 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 5 | Nov 28 |
| 20% | Feb 21 | Dec 5 |
| 30% | Feb 13 | Dec 11 |
| 40% | Feb 5 | Dec 16 |
| 50% | Jan 27 | Dec 21 |
| 60% | Jan 16 | Dec 25 |
| 70% | Jan 9 | Dec 31 |
| 80% | Jan 2 | Jan 5 |
| 90% | Dec 23 | Jan 24 |
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) | Feb 26 | Dec 7 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Jan 27 | Dec 21 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Jan 6 | Jan 1 |
Planting calendar for Scottsdale
Transplant Feb 3 – Feb 17
Transplant Feb 10 – Feb 24
Transplant Feb 10 – Feb 24
Transplant Feb 3 – Feb 17
Sow or transplant Feb 3 – Feb 17
Sow or transplant Feb 3 – Feb 17
Sow or transplant Feb 10 – Feb 24
Sow or transplant Dec 30 – Jan 13
Fall sowing Oct 26 – Nov 23
Fall sowing Oct 26 – Nov 16
Fall sowing Oct 12 – Oct 26
Sow or transplant Dec 30 – Jan 13
Fall sowing Oct 12 – Nov 9
Transplant Jan 13 – Jan 27
Fall sowing Sep 28 – Oct 12
Transplant Jan 6 – Jan 20
Fall sowing Sep 28 – Oct 12
Fall sowing Sep 28 – Oct 12
Fall sowing Nov 9 – Nov 30
Fall sowing Oct 12 – Oct 26
Plant Dec 30 – Jan 13
Based on the average last frost (Jan 27) and first frost (Dec 21). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.