When is the last frost in Scottsdale, AZ?

For ZIP code 85259, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 6, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Scottsdale Muni Ap, AZ weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 7.

When is the first frost in Scottsdale, AZ?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 26. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 4, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 85259?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 353 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 85259Scottsdale, AZ

The average last spring frost in Scottsdale is January 6 and the average first fall frost is December 26, giving a typical growing season of about 353 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Jan 6
Average first fall frost: Dec 26
Growing season: 353 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 3 · Jan 30 · Feb 26	Nov 25 · Dec 11 · Dec 30	316 days	99%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Dec 16 · Jan 6 · Feb 7	Dec 4 · Dec 26 · Jan 20	353 days	70%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 15 · Jan 2 · Jan 20	Dec 14 · Jan 1 · Jan 17	365 days	13%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 85259 is matched to the NOAA station Scottsdale Muni Ap, AZ, 7.6 km away, at 1,473 ft elevation (36 ft higher than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
Scottsdale Muni Ap, AZ (used)	1,473 ft	Jan 6	Dec 26
Fountain Hills, AZ	1,580 ft	Jan 6	Dec 28
Pinnacle Peak, AZ	2,565 ft	Jan 27	Dec 21
Tempe Asu, AZ	1,167 ft	Feb 13	Dec 5

Frost dates near Scottsdale

Scottsdale, AZ 85260 · last Jan 6, first Dec 26
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 · last Jan 6, first Dec 28
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 · last Jan 6, first Dec 26
Mesa, AZ 85211 · last Feb 13, first Dec 5
Phoenix, AZ 85054 · last Jan 6, first Dec 26
Fort Mcdowell, AZ 85264 · last Jan 6, first Dec 28
Tempe, AZ 85288 · last Feb 13, first Dec 5
Rio Verde, AZ 85263 · last Jan 6, first Dec 28

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Scottsdale, AZ?: For ZIP code 85259, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 6, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Scottsdale Muni Ap, AZ weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 7.
When is the first frost in Scottsdale, AZ?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 26. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by December 4, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 85259?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 353 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.