Last frost date in Scottsdale, AZ
The average last frost in Scottsdale is January 27. By March 5 the chance of another 32°F night drops to 1 in 10. The first fall frost usually arrives about December 21, which leaves 330 frost-free days. An early freeze before November 28 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- Mar 5
- Average first frost
- Dec 21
- Frost-free season
- 330 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Jan 6
No frost in the next 6 nights
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2261°
- FriOct 2357°
- SatOct 2457°
- SunOct 2558°
- MonOct 2659°
- TueOct 2760°
Planting calendar for Scottsdale
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Arizona.
TomatoesFeb 15–Mar 1
PumpkinsFeb 15–Mar 1
SunflowersFeb 15–Mar 8
CucumbersFeb 22–Mar 1
CornFeb 15–Mar 1
Sweet potatoesFeb 17–Mar 3
WatermelonFeb 15–Mar 1
Green beansFeb 15–Mar 8
ZucchiniFeb 15–Mar 1
OkraFeb 17–Mar 3
PeppersFeb 15–Mar 1
BasilFeb 15–Mar 1
Butternut squashFeb 15–Mar 1
CantaloupeFeb 15–Mar 1
EggplantFeb 15–Mar 1
PotatoesDec 30–Jan 13
OnionsDec 16–Jan 6
CarrotsJan 6–Feb 10
LettuceJan 13–Feb 3
BroccoliDec 30–Jan 13
BeetsDec 30–Feb 10
PeasDec 16–Dec 30
CabbageDec 30–Jan 13
RadishesDec 23–Feb 3
Brussels sproutsJan 13–Jan 27
SpinachDec 16–Jan 6
CilantroJan 13–Feb 3
KaleDec 30–Jan 13
Collard greensDec 30–Jan 13
TurnipsDec 30–Jan 13
DillJan 27–Feb 10
CeleryFeb 3–Feb 10
CauliflowerJan 13–Jan 27
LeeksJan 13–Jan 27
Swiss chardJan 13–Feb 10
ParsleyJan 13–Feb 3
Tulip bulbsDec 15–Jan 15
GarlicOct 15–Nov 30
Daffodil bulbsOct 15–Nov 30
StrawberriesDec 30–Jan 13
AsparagusDec 30–Jan 13Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Dec 23 | Jan 27 | Mar 5 | Nov 28 | Dec 21 | Jan 24 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Dec 14 | Jan 6 | Feb 8 | Dec 6 | Jan 1 | Feb 2 |
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 Pinnacle Peak (USC00026603) sits 3.0 miles from the center of Scottsdale at 2,565 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 Scottsdale, AZ?
The average last frost date in Scottsdale is January 27, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after March 5.
When is the first frost in Scottsdale?
The first frost in fall usually comes around December 21. One year in ten it arrives before November 28.
How long is the growing season in Scottsdale?
About 330 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Scottsdale?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from February 15 to March 1. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.