Gila Bend, AZ frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 10 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Gila Bend compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Gila Bend fall between December 11 and January 23. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 24, or the last frost as late as February 19.
- Compared with Buckeye, AZ, 58 km away, the last frost here is 16 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 25 |
| 50% (median) | January 23 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 19 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 24 |
| 50% (median) | December 11 |
| 90% (late) | December 30 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Gardening where frost is rare
Gila Bend, AZ only freezes on a few winter nights, so the usual "plant after the last frost" rule doesn't apply. Heat and rainfall decide the seasons instead:
- Cool-season crops (lettuce, broccoli, peas, carrots) grow best from fall through late winter.
- Warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash) do best planted in late winter to spring, and again in late summer for a fall crop — midsummer heat can stop tomatoes setting fruit.
- Heat lovers (okra, sweet potatoes, melons) can be planted through spring and early summer.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Gila Bend 2se, AZ weather station, 6 km away (elevation 794 ft (242 m)).
Frost dates near Gila Bend
- Arlington Jan 21 · Dec 15
- Palo Verde Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Buckeye Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Tonopah Jan 21 · Dec 15
- Dateland Jan 25 · Dec 13
- Goodyear Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Cashion Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Avondale Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Laveen Jan 14 · Dec 22
- Maricopa Feb 23 · Nov 24
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Gila Bend, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Gila Bend, AZ is January 23. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 19, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Gila Bend, AZ?
The median first fall frost is December 11, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 24.
How long is the growing season in Gila Bend, AZ?
About 322 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Gila Bend, AZ?
Gila Bend, AZ is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.