Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Payson, AZ

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the spring

As spring unfolds, the risk of frost gradually decreases each day until your tender plants are finally safe. The probabilities shown in the chart help you make smart decisions about when to plant.

While frost typically forms at 32°F, tender plants can be damaged even when temperatures are slightly higher. Air temperatures are often measured several feet above the ground, but temperatures at plant level can be several degrees colder. Protected areas like porches help by blocking radiational cooling. Given these variables, we consider 36°F the "caution zone" for frost-sensitive plants.

Key dates for your spring planting:

  • By June 7, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around May 23, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before May 13, there's still an 80% risk of frost — too early for tomatoes and other tender plants unless you're prepared to protect them

If the 10-day forecast shows no temperatures below 40°F, you might safely plant earlier than the above dates suggest. Many gardeners watch for this weather window to get a head start on the growing season.

In the Spring
Temperature 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
Last 16° Mar 15 Mar 1 Feb 20 Feb 12 Feb 5 Jan 28 Jan 20 Jan 11 Dec 28
Last 20° Apr 4 Mar 25 Mar 17 Mar 10 Mar 4 Feb 26 Feb 19 Feb 12 Feb 1
Last 24° May 3 Apr 23 Apr 16 Apr 10 Apr 5 Mar 30 Mar 24 Mar 17 Mar 8
Last 28° May 15 May 8 May 2 Apr 27 Apr 23 Apr 18 Apr 14 Apr 8 Mar 31
Last 32° May 29 May 24 May 19 May 16 May 13 May 9 May 6 May 1 Apr 26
Last 36° Jun 7 Jun 2 May 29 May 26 May 23 May 20 May 16 May 13 May 7

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Payson, AZ, nighttime temperatures begin to drop, and your risk of frost increases with each passing day. Knowing when to expect frost helps you harvest sensitive crops and extend your growing season with protection methods.

The chart below shows the probability of experiencing specific temperatures on various dates. Here's what this means for your garden:

1
Early warning: Around October 11, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By October 20, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By October 30, there's an 80% chance of seeing 32°F — most tender plants will be damaged without protection
4
Another perspective: You have only a 1 in 5 chance of making it past October 30 without a freezing night

These probabilities help you time your end-of-season harvests and know when to apply protective measures like row covers, cloches, or cold frames to extend your harvest.

In the Fall
Temperature 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
First 16° Nov 16 Nov 25 Dec 2 Dec 8 Dec 13 Dec 18 Dec 24 Dec 31 Jan 11
First 20° Nov 10 Nov 16 Nov 20 Nov 23 Nov 26 Nov 29 Dec 3 Dec 7 Dec 13
First 24° Oct 29 Nov 3 Nov 6 Nov 9 Nov 12 Nov 14 Nov 17 Nov 20 Nov 25
First 28° Oct 17 Oct 22 Oct 26 Oct 29 Oct 31 Nov 3 Nov 6 Nov 10 Nov 15
First 32° Oct 7 Oct 11 Oct 15 Oct 18 Oct 20 Oct 23 Oct 26 Oct 30 Nov 3
First 36° Sep 25 Oct 1 Oct 5 Oct 9 Oct 13 Oct 16 Oct 20 Oct 24 Oct 30

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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Data is provided by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.