When is the last frost in Scottsdale, AZ?

For ZIP code 85266, the average last spring frost (32°F) is February 4, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Carefree, AZ weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after March 9.

When is the first frost in Scottsdale, AZ?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 16. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 24, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 85266?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 313 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 85266Scottsdale, AZ

The average last spring frost in Scottsdale is February 4 and the average first fall frost is December 16, giving a typical growing season of about 313 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Feb 4
Average first fall frost: Dec 16
Growing season: 313 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 31 · Mar 5 · Apr 2	Nov 13 · Dec 1 · Dec 18	269 days	100%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	Jan 3 · Feb 4 · Mar 9	Nov 24 · Dec 16 · Jan 15	313 days	98%
Hard freeze (28°F)	Dec 19 · Jan 14 · Feb 22	Dec 5 · Jan 1 · Feb 9	357 days	60%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 85266 is matched to the NOAA station Carefree, AZ, 5.7 km away, at 2,530 ft elevation (289 ft higher than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
Carefree, AZ (used)	2,530 ft	Feb 4	Dec 16
Pinnacle Peak, AZ	2,565 ft	Jan 27	Dec 21
Scottsdale Muni Ap, AZ	1,473 ft	Jan 6	Dec 26
Phoenix Deer Valley Muni Ap, AZ	1,455 ft	Jan 8	Dec 25

Frost dates near Scottsdale

Carefree, AZ 85377 · last Feb 4, first Dec 16
Cave Creek, AZ 85327 · last Feb 4, first Dec 16
Scottsdale, AZ 85255 · last Jan 27, first Dec 21
Phoenix, AZ 85054 · last Jan 6, first Dec 26
Rio Verde, AZ 85263 · last Jan 6, first Dec 28
Glendale, AZ 85310 · last Jan 8, first Dec 25
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 · last Jan 6, first Dec 26
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 · last Jan 6, first Dec 28

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Scottsdale, AZ?: For ZIP code 85266, the average last spring frost (32°F) is February 4, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Carefree, AZ weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after March 9.
When is the first frost in Scottsdale, AZ?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 16. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 24, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 85266?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 313 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.