When is the last frost in Phoenix, AZ?

For ZIP code 85045, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 14, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Laveen 3 Sse, AZ weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 12.

When is the first frost in Phoenix, AZ?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 22. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 1, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 85045?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 343 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 85045Phoenix, AZ

The average last spring frost in Phoenix is January 14 and the average first fall frost is December 22, giving a typical growing season of about 343 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Jan 14
Average first fall frost: Dec 22
Growing season: 343 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 8 · Feb 6 · Mar 1	Nov 22 · Dec 8 · Dec 24	302 days	100%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Dec 19 · Jan 14 · Feb 12	Dec 1 · Dec 22 · Jan 22	343 days	85%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 13 · Jan 5 · Feb 3	Dec 11 · Jan 2 · Jan 30	365 days	25%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 85045 is matched to the NOAA station Laveen 3 Sse, AZ, 4.5 km away, at 1,135 ft elevation (397 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
Laveen 3 Sse, AZ (used)	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
Maricopa 4 N, AZ	1,160 ft	Feb 23	Nov 24

Frost dates near Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ 85048 · last Jan 21, first Dec 16
Laveen, AZ 85339 · last Jan 14, first Dec 22
Chandler, AZ 85226 · last Feb 13, first Dec 5
Tempe, AZ 85283 · last Feb 13, first Dec 5
Tolleson, AZ 85353 · last Jan 7, first Dec 24
Cashion, AZ 85329 · last Jan 7, first Dec 24
Mesa, AZ 85202 · last Feb 13, first Dec 5
Avondale, AZ 85323 · last Jan 7, first Dec 24

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Phoenix, AZ?: For ZIP code 85045, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 14, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Laveen 3 Sse, AZ weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 12.
When is the first frost in Phoenix, AZ?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 22. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 1, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 85045?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 343 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.