Weather in Surprise, Arizona
Saguaro crowns open white. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Clear—95°73°
- SundayMay 17Overcast—89°66°
- MondayMay 18Partly Cloudy—86°61°
- TuesdayMay 19Overcast—87°58°
- WednesdayMay 20Overcast—92°64°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast—93°64°
- FridayMay 22Clear—96°64°
- PM 2.5
- 26.3 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 225.8 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 0.7 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 114.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 1.4 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 12:44 PM
- Moonset
- 2:53 AM
- In sign
- ♉︎ Taurus
Saguaro crowns open white
Surprise at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 14°F above the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: March 9 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Peak growing season
As of May 17, the growing season is at its peak — frost is months away. Continue succession-planting beans and summer squash. Start fall brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, kale) from seed indoors for transplanting in late summer.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | — |
| May | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Surprise's warmest temperatures (~91°F mean) while December delivers the coldest (~52°F). February sees peak rainfall at 1.4 inches, and June marks the driest period with just 0.1 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 52° | 1.4″ | 2 |
| February | 55° | 1.4″ | 3 |
| March | 60° | 1.0″ | 1 |
| April | 66° | 0.3″ | 1 |
| May | 76° | 0.1″ | 0 |
| June | 86° | 0.1″ | 0 |
| July | 91° | 0.9″ | 3 |
| August | 90° | 1.1″ | 3 |
| September | 84° | 1.1″ | 2 |
| October | 72° | 0.7″ | 1 |
| November | 60° | 0.7″ | 2 |
| December | 52° | 0.9″ | 2 |
Regional context
Surprise belongs to a hot desert climate region that extends across nearby cities. This climate zone shares similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions.
Similar climates: Phoenix, AZ, Tucson, AZ, Mesa, AZ, Gilbert, AZ, Chandler, AZ.
Naturalist notes
Palo verde trees burst into yellow bloom across Surprise during April, their bright flowers appearing before the desert heat peaks.
House finches begin their second nesting cycle in May, taking advantage of moderate temperatures before summer's intensity.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Surprise?
- The last spring frost in Surprise typically occurs around mid-March, while the first fall frost arrives around mid-December.
- What is the rainy season in Surprise?
- February ranks as the wettest month with about 1.4 inches of rain on average, contributing to the city's roughly 10 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Surprise?
- July typically brings the warmest weather, averaging about 91°F.
- What is the coldest month in Surprise?
- December typically delivers the coldest temperatures, averaging about 52°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Surprise?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-March, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Surprise get?
- Surprise averages about 19 rainy days per year.
- What hardiness zone is Surprise?
- Check the USDA's online lookup using the city ZIP code for Surprise's current hardiness zone designation, which reflects the lowest average winter temperature.
Climate
Surprise, Arizona experiences a hot desert climate. January temperatures hover near 52°F while July averages 91°F — a 39°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, Surprise receives about 10 inches of precipitation spread over roughly 19 rainy days.
Weather patterns follow the city's latitude (33.7°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These factors determine what grows here, when frost occurs, and daily weather conditions.