When is the last frost in Phoenix, AZ?

For ZIP code 85043, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 7, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Litchfield Park, AZ weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 5.

When is the first frost in Phoenix, AZ?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 24. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 6, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 85043?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 351 days long.

Are these frost dates a forecast?

No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.

Frost dates for 85043Phoenix, AZ

The average last spring frost in Phoenix is January 7 and the average first fall frost is December 24, giving a typical growing season of about 351 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Jan 7
Average first fall frost: Dec 24
Growing season: 351 days

Frost risk by date

NOAA reports frost dates as probabilities. The middle date is the average (a 50% chance). For spring, the 10% date is a safer planting date: frost after it happens in about 1 year in 10. Light frost (36°F) can damage tender plants; a hard freeze (28°F) kills most annuals.

Spring dates: chance of a frost AFTER the date. Fall dates: chance of a frost BEFORE the date.
Temperature	Last spring: 90% / 50% / 10% chance	First fall: 10% / 50% / 90% chance	Growing season (50%)	Years with at least one
Light frost (36°F)	Jan 4 · Jan 31 · Feb 24	Nov 24 · Dec 9 · Dec 28	313 days	99%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Dec 17 · Jan 7 · Feb 5	Dec 6 · Dec 24 · Jan 16	351 days	77%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 21 · Jan 5 · Jan 22	Dec 18 · Jan 4 · Jan 21	365 days	20%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 85043 is matched to the NOAA station Litchfield Park, AZ, 16.4 km away, at 1,040 ft elevation (3 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
Litchfield Park, AZ (used)	1,040 ft	Jan 7	Dec 24
Laveen 3 Sse, AZ	1,135 ft	Jan 14	Dec 22
South Phoenix, AZ	1,155 ft	Jan 21	Dec 16
Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl Ap, AZ	1,107 ft	Jan 5	Jan 3

Frost dates near Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ 85035 · last Jan 14, first Dec 22
Tolleson, AZ 85353 · last Jan 7, first Dec 24
Glendale, AZ 85303 · last Jan 20, first Dec 15
Cashion, AZ 85329 · last Jan 7, first Dec 24
Luke Air Force Base, AZ 85309 · last Jan 20, first Dec 15
Avondale, AZ 85392 · last Jan 7, first Dec 24
Laveen, AZ 85339 · last Jan 14, first Dec 22
Peoria, AZ 85345 · last Jan 20, first Dec 15

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Phoenix, AZ?: For ZIP code 85043, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 7, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Litchfield Park, AZ weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 5.
When is the first frost in Phoenix, AZ?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 24. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 6, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 85043?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 351 days long.
Are these frost dates a forecast?: No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.