Tonopah, AZ frost dates
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 9 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Tonopah compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Tonopah fall between December 15 and January 21. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 27, or the last frost as late as February 18.
- Compared with Buckeye, AZ, 39 km away, the last frost here is 14 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | December 24 |
| 50% (median) | January 21 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | February 18 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 27 |
| 50% (median) | December 15 |
| 90% (late) | January 4 |
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
Tonopah, 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 Painted Rock Dam, AZ weather station, 39 km away (elevation 568 ft (173 m)).
Frost dates near Tonopah
- Arlington Jan 21 · Dec 15
- Palo Verde Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Buckeye Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Wittmann Feb 5 · Dec 11
- Waddell Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Litchfield Park Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Goodyear Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Morristown Feb 5 · Dec 11
- Surprise Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Gila Bend Jan 23 · Dec 11
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Tonopah, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Tonopah, AZ is January 21. 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 Tonopah, AZ?
The median first fall frost is December 15, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 27.
How long is the growing season in Tonopah, AZ?
About 328 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Tonopah, AZ?
Tonopah, AZ is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.