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Frost dates for Tucson, Arizona

In a typical year, Tucson’s last spring frost lands around Jan 20 and the first fall frost around Dec 17, a growing season of about 331 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 53 days until the typical first fall frost.

Last spring frost and first fall frost odds for Tucson, Arizona
OddsLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10 percentDec 19Nov 28
50 percentJan 20Dec 17
90 percentFeb 18Jan 12

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 Tucson 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 Tucson

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

See the full what-to-plant lookup

Common questions

When is the last frost in Tucson, Arizona?

Tucson’s last spring frost falls around January 20 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by December 19, and one year in ten frost holds on until February 18. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.

When is the first fall frost in Tucson?

The first fall frost arrives around December 17 in a typical year, as early as November 28 in an early year and as late as January 12 in a late one.

How long is the growing season in Tucson?

About 331 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.

What USDA zone is Tucson in?

Tucson 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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