In which phase change is energy being released to the surroundings?

Energy is released to the surroundings during phase changes from higher energy states to lower energy states, such as from liquid to solid (freezing). When rain turns into ice upon hitting a cold surface, it undergoes freezing, a process in which the liquid water loses energy to the surroundings, releasing heat as it becomes solid ice.

References:

Integrated Physical Sciences documents on phase changes and energy transfer.

Thermodynamics principles in phase transitions.