Frost Dates for Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

Last spring frost April 17 · First fall frost November 5 · 202 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8b

Frost probability for 85635

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)May 5April 17March 29
Fall (first frost)October 22November 5November 19

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (24.3 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Sierra Vista, AZ

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
85635April 17November 58b
85650April 17November 58b

Month by month in Sierra Vista

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryPlan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates.
FebruaryStart peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around April 17). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost.
MarchStart herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable.
AprilLast frost around April 17. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings.
MayFrost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini.
JuneSuccession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently.
JulyHarvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease.
AugustMidsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall.
SeptemberDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
OctoberFirst fall frost approaching (around November 5). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
NovemberFirst frost around November 5. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season.
DecemberHarvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year.

What grows in a 202-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Sierra Vista, AZ (ZIP 85635)?

The median last spring frost date for Sierra Vista, AZ (ZIP code 85635) is around April 17. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area.

What is the first fall frost date in Sierra Vista, AZ?

The median first fall frost date for Sierra Vista, AZ is around November 5. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses.

How long is the growing season in Sierra Vista, AZ?

The frost-free growing season in Sierra Vista is about 202 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side.

What USDA hardiness zone is Sierra Vista, AZ?

Based on frost date patterns, Sierra Vista falls approximately in 8b. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.

When should I start tomatoes indoors in Sierra Vista, AZ?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around April 17). For Sierra Vista, that's roughly February 21 to March 6. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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