Cantwell, AK frost dates

Gardening where frost is possible all year

The weather station nearest Cantwell, 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 Cantwell 2 E, AK weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 2,133 ft (650 m)).

Frost dates near Cantwell

• Denali National Park May 25 · Sep 8
• Healy May 27 · Sep 1
• Clear May 24 · Sep 4
• Anderson May 24 · Sep 4
• Nenana May 15 · Sep 11
• Fort Greely May 26 · Sep 2
• Trapper Creek May 16 · Sep 16
• Talkeetna May 16 · Sep 16
• Salcha May 20 · Sep 1
• Eielson Afb May 20 · Sep 1

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Cantwell, AK?

Cantwell, AK can freeze in any month, so there is no reliable last frost date. The nearest NOAA station averages 260 nights a year at or below 32°F.

What can I grow in Cantwell, 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.