FrostDateByZip

Frost dates for 85707Tucson, AZ

The average last spring frost in Tucson is February 5 and the average first fall frost is December 9, giving a typical growing season of about 307 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost
Feb 5

Safer after Mar 2 (1-in-10 risk)

Average first fall frost
Dec 9

Possible by Nov 21 (1-in-10 risk)

Growing season
307 days

First frost typically in 53 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.
TemperatureLast spring: 90% / 50% / 10% chanceFirst fall: 10% / 50% / 90% chanceGrowing season (50%)Years with at least one
Light frost (36°F)Feb 3 · Feb 28 · Mar 24Nov 11 · Nov 26 · Dec 14271 days100%
Frost / freeze (32°F)Jan 4 · Feb 5 · Mar 2Nov 21 · Dec 9 · Jan 3307 days99%
Hard freeze (28°F)Dec 14 · Jan 11 · Feb 17Nov 30 · Dec 26 · Feb 1351 days70%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 85707 is matched to the NOAA station Tucson Intl Ap, AZ, 8.7 km away, at 2,549 ft elevation (109 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

StationElevationAvg last frostAvg first frost
Tucson Intl Ap, AZ (used)2,549 ftFeb 5Dec 9
Tucson Wfo, AZ2,435 ftJan 20Dec 17
Saguaro Np, AZ3,080 ftJan 26Dec 16
Tucson Camp Ave Exp, AZ2,330 ftFeb 20Nov 27

Frost dates near Tucson

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Tucson, AZ?
For ZIP code 85707, the average last spring frost (32°F) is February 5, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Tucson Intl Ap, AZ weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after March 2.
When is the first frost in Tucson, AZ?
The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 9. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 21, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 85707?
In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 307 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.