Last frost date in Prescott, AZ
Expect the last frost in Prescott around April 30. Frost after May 15 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 20, which leaves 172 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 7 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 15
- Average first frost
- Oct 20
- Frost-free season
- 172 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 13
No frost in the next 6 nights
Later than usual: the average first frost here is October 20.
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2244°
- FriOct 2341°
- SatOct 2441°
- SunOct 2542°
- MonOct 2642°
- TueOct 2743°
Planting calendar for Prescott
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Arizona.
TomatoesMay 7–May 21
PumpkinsMay 14–May 28
SunflowersApr 30–May 21
CucumbersMay 14–May 21
CornMay 7–May 21
Sweet potatoesMay 21–Jun 4
WatermelonMay 14–May 28
Green beansMay 7–May 28
ZucchiniMay 7–May 21
OkraMay 21–Jun 4
PeppersMay 14–May 28
BasilMay 7–May 21
Butternut squashMay 7–May 21
CantaloupeMay 14–May 28
EggplantMay 14–May 28
PotatoesApr 2–Apr 16
OnionsMar 19–Apr 9
CarrotsApr 9–May 14
LettuceApr 16–May 7
BroccoliApr 2–Apr 16
BeetsApr 2–May 14
PeasMar 19–Apr 2
CabbageApr 2–Apr 16
RadishesMar 26–May 7
Brussels sproutsApr 16–Apr 30
SpinachMar 19–Apr 9
CilantroApr 16–May 7
KaleApr 2–Apr 16
Collard greensApr 2–Apr 16
TurnipsApr 2–Apr 16
DillApr 30–May 14
CeleryMay 7–May 14
CauliflowerApr 16–Apr 30
LeeksApr 16–Apr 30
Swiss chardApr 16–May 14
ParsleyApr 16–May 7
Tulip bulbsOct 6–Nov 10
GarlicSep 29–Nov 3
Daffodil bulbsSep 22–Nov 3
StrawberriesApr 2–Apr 16
AsparagusApr 2–Apr 16Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 14 | Apr 30 | May 15 | Oct 7 | Oct 20 | Nov 4 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Mar 28 | Apr 13 | May 2 | Oct 16 | Oct 31 | Nov 15 |
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 Prescott (USC00026796) sits 1.7 miles from the center of Prescott at 5,205 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 Prescott, AZ?
The average last frost date in Prescott is April 30, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 15.
When is the first frost in Prescott?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 20. One year in ten it arrives before October 7.
How long is the growing season in Prescott?
About 172 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Prescott?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 7 to May 21. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.