Frost dates for 85374 — Surprise, AZ
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 Surprise compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Surprise 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.
- Surprise shares its weather station with Peoria, AZ, 10 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
Surprise, 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, 5 km away (elevation 1,135 ft (346 m)).
ZIP codes in Surprise: 85374 85378 85379 85387 85388
Frost dates near Surprise
- El Mirage Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Sun City Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Youngtown Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Sun City West Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Peoria Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Waddell Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Glendale Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Litchfield Park Jan 7 · Dec 24
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Surprise, AZ?
The median last spring frost in Surprise, 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 Surprise, 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 Surprise, AZ?
About 329 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Surprise, AZ?
Surprise, AZ is in USDA hardiness zone 9b.