Waddell, 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 Waddell compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Waddell 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.
- Compared with Surprise, AZ, 9 km away, the last frost here is 13 days earlier than there.
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
Waddell, 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, 10 km away (elevation 1,040 ft (317 m)).
Frost dates near Waddell
- Litchfield Park Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Surprise Jan 20 · Dec 15
- El Mirage Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Goodyear Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Youngtown Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Sun City West Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Sun City Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Avondale Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Buckeye Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Cashion Jan 7 · Dec 24
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Waddell, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Waddell, 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 Waddell, 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 Waddell, AZ?
About 351 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Waddell, AZ?
Waddell, AZ is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.