Luke Air Force Base, AZ frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 4 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Luke Air Force Base compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Luke Air Force Base fall between December 15 and January 20. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 28, or the last frost as late as February 18.
- Luke Air Force Base shares its weather station with Glendale, AZ, 4 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 23 |
| 50% (median) | January 20 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 18 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 28 |
| 50% (median) | December 15 |
| 90% (late) | January 7 |
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
Luke Air Force Base, 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 Youngtown, AZ weather station, 12 km away (elevation 1,135 ft (346 m)).
Frost dates near Luke Air Force Base
- Glendale Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Peoria Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Phoenix Jan 5 · Jan 3
- Youngtown Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Sun City Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Tolleson Jan 7 · Dec 24
- El Mirage Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Cashion Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Avondale Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Goodyear Jan 7 · Dec 24
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Luke Air Force Base, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Luke Air Force Base, AZ is January 20. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 18, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Luke Air Force Base, AZ?
The median first fall frost is December 15, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 28.
How long is the growing season in Luke Air Force Base, AZ?
About 329 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Luke Air Force Base, AZ?
Luke Air Force Base, AZ is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.