Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Sanders, 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 26, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around June 6, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before May 24, 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° Apr 24 Apr 11 Apr 2 Mar 26 Mar 18 Mar 11 Mar 3 Feb 22 Feb 10
Last 20° May 4 Apr 25 Apr 19 Apr 13 Apr 8 Apr 3 Mar 29 Mar 23 Mar 14
Last 24° May 16 May 8 May 2 Apr 27 Apr 23 Apr 18 Apr 13 Apr 7 Mar 30
Last 28° May 23 May 16 May 11 May 7 May 3 Apr 29 Apr 25 Apr 20 Apr 13
Last 32° Jun 10 Jun 4 May 31 May 27 May 23 May 20 May 16 May 12 May 6
Last 36° Jun 26 Jun 19 Jun 14 Jun 10 Jun 6 Jun 2 May 29 May 24 May 17

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Sanders, 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 September 28, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By October 10, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By October 22, 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 22 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 2 Nov 9 Nov 14 Nov 18 Nov 22 Nov 26 Nov 30 Dec 5 Dec 12
First 20° Oct 20 Oct 26 Oct 30 Nov 3 Nov 6 Nov 10 Nov 13 Nov 18 Nov 24
First 24° Oct 14 Oct 20 Oct 24 Oct 27 Oct 31 Nov 3 Nov 6 Nov 10 Nov 16
First 28° Oct 7 Oct 12 Oct 15 Oct 18 Oct 21 Oct 24 Oct 26 Oct 30 Nov 4
First 32° Sep 21 Sep 28 Oct 2 Oct 6 Oct 10 Oct 14 Oct 18 Oct 22 Oct 29
First 36° Sep 11 Sep 17 Sep 21 Sep 25 Sep 28 Oct 2 Oct 5 Oct 10 Oct 16

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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