Barrow, AK frost dates

Gardening where frost is possible all year

The weather station nearest Barrow, AK records freezing temperatures in every month often enough that NOAA cannot define a frost-free season. Gardening is still possible — it just means planning for frost at any time:

• Grow fast, cold-tolerant crops: Radishes, Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Peas, Potatoes, Swiss Chard, Garlic.
• Plant once the soil can be worked — usually late spring to early summer at high elevation — and keep row covers ready for clear, still nights.
• Use season extension: cold frames, low tunnels, wall-of-water cloches or a greenhouse turn a few frost-free weeks into a real season.
• Frost-tender crops (tomatoes, squash, beans) need protection all season; choose the earliest varieties you can find.

About these dates

Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Barrow Post Rogers Ap, AK weather station, 6 km away (elevation 30 ft (9 m)).

Frost dates near Barrow

• Atqasuk frost any month
• Wainwright frost any month
• Nuiqsut frost any month
• Prudhoe Bay frost any month
• Anaktuvuk Pass frost any month
• Noatak Jun 10 · Sep 11
• Kivalina Jun 10 · Sep 11
• Kiana Jun 5 · Sep 24
• Point Hope Jun 10 · Sep 11
• Noorvik Jun 5 · Sep 24

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Barrow, AK?

Barrow, AK can freeze in any month, so there is no reliable last frost date. The nearest NOAA station averages 300 nights a year at or below 32°F.

What can I grow in Barrow, AK?

Fast, cold-tolerant crops such as radishes, lettuce, spinach, kale, peas and potatoes, ideally under row covers, cold frames or a greenhouse. Frost-tender crops like tomatoes need protection all season.