When is the last frost in Rio Verde, AZ?

For ZIP code 85263, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 6, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Fountain Hills, AZ weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 11.

When is the first frost in Rio Verde, AZ?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 28. 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 85263?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 356 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 85263Rio Verde, AZ

The average last spring frost in Rio Verde is January 6 and the average first fall frost is December 28, giving a typical growing season of about 356 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Jan 6
Average first fall frost: Dec 28
Growing season: 356 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)	Dec 31 · Jan 31 · Mar 1	Nov 25 · Dec 14 · Jan 3	317 days	98%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Dec 14 · Jan 6 · Feb 11	Dec 4 · Dec 28 · Jan 27	356 days	63%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 27 · Jan 9 · Jan 31	Dec 26 · Jan 8 · Jan 31	365 days	14%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 85263 is matched to the NOAA station Fountain Hills, AZ, 13.8 km away, at 1,580 ft elevation (34 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
Fountain Hills, AZ (used)	1,580 ft	Jan 6	Dec 28
Pinnacle Peak, AZ	2,565 ft	Jan 27	Dec 21
Stewart Mtn Dam, AZ	1,422 ft	Feb 13	Dec 5
Carefree, AZ	2,530 ft	Feb 4	Dec 16

Frost dates near Rio Verde

Scottsdale, AZ 85262 · last Jan 27, first Dec 21
Fort Mcdowell, AZ 85264 · last Jan 6, first Dec 28
Fountain Hills, AZ 85269 · last Jan 6, first Dec 28
Carefree, AZ 85377 · last Feb 4, first Dec 16
Phoenix, AZ 85054 · last Jan 6, first Dec 26
Cave Creek, AZ 85327 · last Feb 4, first Dec 16
Mesa, AZ 85215 · last Feb 1, first Dec 10
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 · last Jan 6, first Dec 26

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Rio Verde, AZ?: For ZIP code 85263, the average last spring frost (32°F) is January 6, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Fountain Hills, AZ weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after February 11.
When is the first frost in Rio Verde, AZ?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 28. 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 85263?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 356 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.