Frost Dates for Tempe, AZ
In Tempe, AZ, the average last spring frost is around Feb 13 and the average first fall frost around Dec 5, for a growing season of about 298 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until Mar 9, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Tempe Asu, AZ weather station, 3 miles away, elevation 1,167 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 9 | Nov 18 |
| 20% | Mar 1 | Nov 24 |
| 30% | Feb 24 | Nov 29 |
| 40% | Feb 18 | Dec 1 |
| 50% | Feb 13 | Dec 5 |
| 60% | Feb 6 | Dec 9 |
| 70% | Feb 1 | Dec 12 |
| 80% | Jan 23 | Dec 16 |
| 90% | Jan 12 | Dec 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) | Mar 8 | Nov 26 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Feb 13 | Dec 5 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Jan 16 | Dec 19 |
Planting calendar for Tempe
Transplant Feb 20 – Mar 6
Transplant Feb 27 – Mar 13
Transplant Feb 27 – Mar 13
Transplant Feb 20 – Mar 6
Sow or transplant Feb 20 – Mar 6
Sow or transplant Feb 20 – Mar 6
Sow or transplant Feb 27 – Mar 13
Sow or transplant Jan 16 – Jan 30
Fall sowing Oct 10 – Nov 7
Fall sowing Oct 10 – Oct 31
Fall sowing Sep 26 – Oct 10
Sow or transplant Jan 16 – Jan 30
Fall sowing Sep 26 – Oct 24
Transplant Jan 30 – Feb 13
Fall sowing Sep 12 – Sep 26
Transplant Jan 23 – Feb 6
Fall sowing Sep 12 – Sep 26
Fall sowing Sep 12 – Sep 26
Fall sowing Oct 24 – Nov 14
Fall sowing Sep 26 – Oct 10
Plant Jan 16 – Jan 30
Based on the average last frost (Feb 13) and first frost (Dec 5). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.