Tolleson, 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 Tolleson compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Tolleson 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.
- Tolleson shares its weather station with Avondale, AZ, 5 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
Tolleson, 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, 11 km away (elevation 1,040 ft (317 m)).
Frost dates near Tolleson
- Cashion Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Avondale Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Goodyear Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Laveen Jan 14 · Dec 22
- Luke Air Force Base Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Litchfield Park Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Glendale Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Youngtown Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Phoenix Jan 5 · Jan 3
- El Mirage Jan 20 · Dec 15
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Tolleson, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Tolleson, 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 Tolleson, 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 Tolleson, AZ?
About 351 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Tolleson, AZ?
Tolleson, AZ is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.