Palo Verde, AZ frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 7 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Palo Verde compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Palo Verde fall between December 24 and January 7. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as December 6, or the last frost as late as February 5.
- Palo Verde shares its weather station with Buckeye, AZ, 16 km away, so the two have the same frost dates.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 17 |
| 50% (median) | January 7 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 5 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | December 6 |
| 50% (median) | December 24 |
| 90% (late) | January 16 |
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
Palo Verde, 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 Litchfield Park, AZ weather station, 34 km away (elevation 1,040 ft (317 m)).
Frost dates near Palo Verde
- Arlington Jan 21 · Dec 15
- Buckeye Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Tonopah Jan 21 · Dec 15
- Goodyear Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Litchfield Park Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Waddell Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Avondale Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Cashion Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Tolleson Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Surprise Jan 20 · Dec 15
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Palo Verde, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Palo Verde, AZ is January 7. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after February 5, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Palo Verde, AZ?
The median first fall frost is December 24, with about a 10% chance of frost before December 6.
How long is the growing season in Palo Verde, AZ?
About 351 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Palo Verde, AZ?
Palo Verde, AZ is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.