Frost Dates for Sierra Vista, AZ

In Sierra Vista, AZ, the average last spring frost is around Apr 5 and the average first fall frost around Nov 9, for a growing season of about 216 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Apr 21, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostApr 550% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantApr 21only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostNov 950% chance of frost before this date
Growing season216 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Sierra Vista, AZ weather station, 3 miles away, elevation 4,606 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.

ChanceLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10%Apr 21Oct 23
20%Apr 15Oct 29
30%Apr 11Nov 2
40%Apr 8Nov 5
50%Apr 5Nov 9
60%Apr 2Nov 12
70%Mar 30Nov 15
80%Mar 24Nov 18
90%Mar 15Nov 23

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.

TemperatureLast in springFirst in fall
Light frost (36°F)Apr 20Oct 30
Frost / freeze (32°F)Apr 5Nov 9
Hard freeze (28°F)Mar 15Nov 21

Planting calendar for Sierra Vista

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Feb 8 – Feb 22
Transplant Apr 12 – Apr 26
Peppers
Indoors Jan 25 – Feb 8
Transplant Apr 19 – May 3
Eggplant
Indoors Jan 25 – Feb 8
Transplant Apr 19 – May 3
Basil
Indoors Feb 22 – Mar 8
Transplant Apr 12 – Apr 26
Cucumbers
Indoors Mar 8 – Mar 15
Sow or transplant Apr 12 – Apr 26
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Mar 8 – Mar 15
Sow or transplant Apr 12 – Apr 26
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow Apr 12 – Apr 26
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Mar 8 – Mar 15
Sow or transplant Apr 19 – May 3
Green beans
Sow Apr 12 – Apr 26
Sweet corn
Sow Apr 12 – Apr 26
Lettuce
Indoors Feb 22 – Mar 8
Sow or transplant Mar 8 – Mar 22
Fall sowing Sep 14 – Oct 12
Spinach
Sow Feb 22 – Mar 15
Fall sowing Sep 14 – Oct 5
Peas
Sow Feb 22 – Mar 8
Fall sowing Aug 31 – Sep 14
Kale
Indoors Feb 8 – Feb 22
Sow or transplant Mar 8 – Mar 22
Fall sowing Aug 31 – Sep 28
Broccoli
Indoors Feb 8 – Feb 22
Transplant Mar 22 – Apr 5
Fall sowing Aug 17 – Aug 31
Cabbage
Indoors Feb 8 – Feb 22
Transplant Mar 15 – Mar 29
Fall sowing Aug 17 – Aug 31
Carrots
Sow Mar 15 – Apr 5
Fall sowing Aug 17 – Aug 31
Radishes
Sow Mar 1 – Mar 22
Fall sowing Sep 28 – Oct 19
Beets
Sow Mar 15 – Apr 5
Fall sowing Aug 31 – Sep 14
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Jan 11 – Jan 25
Plant Mar 8 – Mar 22
Potatoes
Plant Mar 15 – Mar 29
Garlic
Plant Nov 9 – Dec 7

Based on the average last frost (Apr 5) and first frost (Nov 9). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

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