Last frost date in Maricopa, AZ
In Maricopa, the last spring frost comes around February 23 in an average year. Wait until March 15 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about November 24, which leaves 274 frost-free days. An early freeze before November 10 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Mar 15
- Average first frost
- Nov 24
- Frost-free season
- 274 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Feb 2
No frost in the next 6 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2259°
- FriOct 2359°
- SatOct 2458°
- SunOct 2558°
- MonOct 2659°
- TueOct 2761°
Planting calendar for Maricopa
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Arizona.
TomatoesMar 2–Mar 16
PumpkinsMar 9–Mar 23
SunflowersFeb 23–Mar 16
CucumbersMar 9–Mar 16
CornMar 2–Mar 16
Sweet potatoesMar 16–Mar 30
WatermelonMar 9–Mar 23
Green beansMar 2–Mar 23
ZucchiniMar 2–Mar 16
OkraMar 16–Mar 30
PeppersMar 9–Mar 23
BasilMar 2–Mar 16
Butternut squashMar 2–Mar 16
CantaloupeMar 9–Mar 23
EggplantMar 9–Mar 23
PotatoesJan 26–Feb 9
OnionsJan 12–Feb 2
CarrotsFeb 2–Mar 9
LettuceFeb 9–Mar 2
BroccoliJan 26–Feb 9
BeetsJan 26–Mar 9
PeasJan 12–Jan 26
CabbageJan 26–Feb 9
RadishesJan 19–Mar 2
Brussels sproutsFeb 9–Feb 23
SpinachJan 12–Feb 2
CilantroFeb 9–Mar 2
KaleJan 26–Feb 9
Collard greensJan 26–Feb 9
TurnipsJan 26–Feb 9
DillFeb 23–Mar 9
CeleryMar 2–Mar 9
CauliflowerFeb 9–Feb 23
LeeksFeb 9–Feb 23
Swiss chardFeb 9–Mar 9
ParsleyFeb 9–Mar 2
Tulip bulbsNov 10–Dec 15
GarlicOct 15–Nov 30
Daffodil bulbsOct 15–Nov 30
StrawberriesJan 26–Feb 9
AsparagusJan 26–Feb 9Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Jan 29 | Feb 23 | Mar 15 | Nov 10 | Nov 24 | Dec 8 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Dec 31 | Feb 2 | Feb 28 | Nov 21 | Dec 6 | Dec 23 |
Read the spring 10% column as the date after which only one year in ten still gets frost. That is the safer date for tomatoes, peppers and basil.
Where these numbers come from
NOAA station Maricopa 4 N (USC00025270) sits 5.3 miles from the center of Maricopa at 1,160 feet. Its averages cover 1991 to 2020. Low spots, valleys and open fields can keep getting frost a week or two after the station stops; city centers and lakeshores usually get less of it.
Questions
When is the last frost in Maricopa, AZ?
The average last frost date in Maricopa is February 23, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after March 15.
When is the first frost in Maricopa?
The first frost in fall usually comes around November 24. One year in ten it arrives before November 10.
How long is the growing season in Maricopa?
About 274 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Maricopa?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from March 2 to March 16. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Arizona
- Casa GrandeFeb 5
- ChandlerFeb 13
- GilbertFeb 1
- TempeFeb 13
- GoodyearJan 14
- Queen CreekFeb 1
- AvondaleJan 14
- San Tan ValleyFeb 1
- FlorenceJan 30
- GlendaleJan 20
- PhoenixJan 8
- El MirageJan 20