Frost dates for 85387 — Surprise, AZ
Frost is light and occasional here — typically a few cold nights around midwinter (about 13 a year). Cover tender plants when frost is forecast.
How Surprise compares
- In a typical year, frost nights in Surprise fall between December 11 and February 5. In 1 year in 10 the first frost comes as early as November 20, or the last frost as late as March 3.
- Compared with Peoria, AZ, 22 km away, the last frost here is 16 days later than there.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | January 6 |
| 50% (median) | February 5 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | March 3 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | November 20 |
| 50% (median) | December 11 |
| 90% (late) | January 2 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Surprise, AZ
Frost dates for 85387 — Surprise, AZ — last frost Feb 5, first frost Dec 11, zone 9b. whenisthelastfrost.com
In mild climates, summer heat limits many crops as much as frost does. Use this calendar for spring planting and lean on fall and winter for cool-season crops.
When to plant vegetables in Surprise, AZ
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Nov 13 – Nov 27 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | — | — |
| Peppers | Nov 27 – Dec 11 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 27 – Dec 11 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Dec 11 – Dec 25 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Dec 11 – Dec 25 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | Jan 8 – Feb 12 | Oct 16 – Nov 13 |
| Kale | Dec 11 – Dec 25 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | Oct 2 – Oct 23 |
| Broccoli | Dec 11 – Dec 25 | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | — | Sep 4 – Sep 25 |
| Cabbage | Dec 11 – Dec 25 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | — | Sep 4 – Sep 25 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 11 – Dec 25 | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | — | Sep 4 – Sep 25 |
| Okra | Dec 25 – Jan 8 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | — |
| Basil | Dec 25 – Jan 8 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Dec 25 – Jan 15 | Sep 18 – Oct 9 |
| Spinach | — | — | Dec 25 – Jan 15 | Oct 16 – Nov 6 |
| Radishes | — | — | Jan 1 – Feb 12 | Oct 30 – Nov 20 |
| Cucumbers | Jan 8 – Jan 15 | Feb 19 – Feb 26 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Sep 25 – Oct 9 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Jan 8 – Jan 15 | — | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | Oct 2 – Oct 16 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Jan 8 – Jan 15 | — | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Jan 8 – Jan 15 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Jan 15 – Feb 12 | Sep 18 – Oct 2 |
| Beets | — | — | Jan 15 – Feb 12 | Oct 2 – Oct 16 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Jan 15 – Feb 5 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Jan 22 – Feb 19 | Oct 2 – Oct 16 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Jan 22 – Feb 12 | Oct 16 – Nov 6 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Feb 12 – Mar 5 | Sep 25 – Oct 9 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Feb 19 – Mar 12 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Nov 27 – Jan 1 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Wittmann 1se, AZ weather station, 11 km away (elevation 1,683 ft (513 m)).
ZIP codes in Surprise: 85374 85378 85379 85387 85388
Frost dates near Surprise
- Sun City West Jan 20 · Dec 15
- El Mirage Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Waddell Jan 7 · Dec 24
- Sun City Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Wittmann Feb 5 · Dec 11
- Youngtown Jan 20 · Dec 15
- Peoria 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 February 5. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after March 3, 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 11, with about a 10% chance of frost before November 20.
How long is the growing season in Surprise, AZ?
About 309 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.