When is the last frost in Scottsdale, AZ?

For ZIP code 85262, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 27, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Pinnacle Peak, AZ weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after March 5.

When is the first frost in Scottsdale, AZ?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 21. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 28, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 85262?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 330 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 85262Scottsdale, AZ

The average last spring frost in Scottsdale is January 27 and the average first fall frost is December 21, giving a typical growing season of about 330 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Jan 27
Average first fall frost: Dec 21
Growing season: 330 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 17 · Feb 26 · Mar 30	Nov 19 · Dec 7 · Dec 24	285 days	100%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Dec 23 · Jan 27 · Mar 5	Nov 28 · Dec 21 · Jan 24	330 days	91%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 14 · Jan 6 · Feb 8	Dec 6 · Jan 1 · Feb 2	365 days	45%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 85262 is matched to the NOAA station Pinnacle Peak, AZ, 9.2 km away, at 2,565 ft elevation (55 ft higher than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
Pinnacle Peak, AZ (used)	2,565 ft	Jan 27	Dec 21
Carefree, AZ	2,530 ft	Feb 4	Dec 16
Fountain Hills, AZ	1,580 ft	Jan 6	Dec 28
Scottsdale Muni Ap, AZ	1,473 ft	Jan 6	Dec 26

Frost dates near Scottsdale

Rio Verde, AZ 85263 · last Jan 6, first Dec 28
Scottsdale, AZ 85266 · last Feb 4, first Dec 16
Carefree, AZ 85377 · last Feb 4, first Dec 16
Cave Creek, AZ 85327 · last Feb 4, first Dec 16
Fountain Hills, AZ 85269 · last Jan 6, first Dec 28
Phoenix, AZ 85054 · last Jan 6, first Dec 26
Fort Mcdowell, AZ 85264 · last Jan 6, first Dec 28
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 · last Jan 6, first Dec 26

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Scottsdale, AZ?: For ZIP code 85262, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 27, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Pinnacle Peak, AZ weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after March 5.
When is the first frost in Scottsdale, AZ?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 21. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 28, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 85262?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 330 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.