Sun City, 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 Sun City compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Sun City 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.
- Sun City shares its weather station with Peoria, AZ, 6 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
Sun City, 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, 3 km away (elevation 1,135 ft (346 m)).
ZIP codes in Sun City: 85351 85372 85373
Frost dates near Sun City
- El Mirage Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Youngtown Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Peoria Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Sun City West Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Surprise Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Glendale Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Luke Air Force Base Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Waddell Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Litchfield Park Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Avondale Jan 7 · Dec 24
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Sun City, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Sun City, 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 Sun City, 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 Sun City, AZ?
About 329 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Sun City, AZ?
Sun City, AZ is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.