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Frost dates for Tempe, Arizona

In a typical year, Tempe’s last spring frost lands around Feb 13 and the first fall frost around Dec 5, a growing season of about 295 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 9b.

Right now the growing season is open, with about 41 days until the typical first fall frost.

Last spring frost and first fall frost odds for Tempe, Arizona
OddsLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10 percentJan 12Nov 18
50 percentFeb 13Dec 5
90 percentMar 9Dec 24

A 10 percent year is an early year, a 90 percent year a late one. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the 90 percent side of the last-frost band.

Soil in Tempe is typically around 71°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.

Plantable now in Tempe

Timing comes from the same temperature engine the app uses, run against Tempe’s normals for today.

See the full what-to-plant lookup

Common questions

When is the last frost in Tempe, Arizona?

Tempe’s last spring frost falls around February 13 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by January 12, and one year in ten frost holds on until March 9. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.

When is the first fall frost in Tempe?

The first fall frost arrives around December 5 in a typical year, as early as November 18 in an early year and as late as December 24 in a late one.

How long is the growing season in Tempe?

About 295 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.

What USDA zone is Tempe in?

Tempe is in USDA hardiness zone 9b under the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Dates come from 30-year NOAA climate normals for the nearest reporting station. They describe odds, not a forecast.

Nearby cities

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