North Pole, AK frost dates
Last spring frostMay 22median date
First fall frostSep 2median date
Growing season103 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone2aZone 2a
How North Pole compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in North Pole falls between May 12 and June 4, a 23-day window. The first fall frost falls between August 20 and September 17.
- The median last frost is 1 day later than the Alaska median of May 21.
- Its 103-day growing season is longer than 24% of the 165 Alaska places with a regular frost season (state median 124 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 2a, where the median is May 24.
- The weather station records an average of 244 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 12 |
| 50% (median) | May 22 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | June 4 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | August 20 |
| 50% (median) | September 2 |
| 90% (late) | September 17 |
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 North Pole, AK
North Pole, AK frost dates — last frost May 22, first frost Sep 2, zone 2a. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
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Start indoors: Feb 27 to Mar 13Transplant outside: Apr 24 to May 8
Start indoors: Mar 13 to Mar 27Transplant outside: Jun 5 to Jun 19
Start indoors: Mar 13 to Mar 27Transplant outside: Jun 5 to Jun 19
Start indoors: Mar 27 to Apr 10Transplant outside: May 29 to Jun 12
Start indoors: Mar 27 to Apr 10Transplant outside: May 1 to May 15Sow outdoors: Apr 24 to May 29Plant for fall: Jul 8 to Aug 5
Start indoors: Mar 27 to Apr 10Transplant outside: Apr 24 to May 8Sow outdoors: Apr 24 to May 8Plant for fall: Jun 24 to Jul 15
Start indoors: Mar 27 to Apr 10Transplant outside: May 8 to May 22
Start indoors: Mar 27 to Apr 10Transplant outside: May 1 to May 15
Start indoors: Mar 27 to Apr 10Transplant outside: May 8 to May 22
Start indoors: Apr 10 to Apr 24Transplant outside: Jun 12 to Jun 26Sow outdoors: Jun 12 to Jun 26
Start indoors: Apr 10 to Apr 24Transplant outside: May 29 to Jun 12
Sow outdoors: Apr 10 to May 1Plant for fall: Jun 10 to Jul 1
Sow outdoors: Apr 10 to May 1Plant for fall: Jul 8 to Jul 29
Sow outdoors: Apr 17 to May 29Plant for fall: Jul 22 to Aug 12
Start indoors: Apr 24 to May 1Transplant outside: Jun 5 to Jun 12Sow outdoors: May 29 to Jun 12
Start indoors: Apr 24 to May 1Sow outdoors: May 29 to Jun 12
Start indoors: Apr 24 to May 1Sow outdoors: May 29 to Jun 12
Start indoors: Apr 24 to May 1Transplant outside: Jun 5 to Jun 19
Sow outdoors: May 1 to May 29
Sow outdoors: May 1 to May 29Plant for fall: Jun 24 to Jul 8
Sow outdoors: May 1 to May 22
Sow outdoors: May 8 to Jun 5Plant for fall: Jun 24 to Jul 8
Sow outdoors: May 8 to May 29Plant for fall: Jul 8 to Jul 29
Sow outdoors: May 29 to Jun 19
Sow outdoors: May 29 to Jun 12
Transplant outside: Jun 5 to Jun 26
Plant for fall: Aug 19 to Sep 23
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in North Pole, AK
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Apr 24 – May 8 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Jun 5 – Jun 19 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | Jun 5 – Jun 19 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | May 29 – Jun 12 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | May 1 – May 15 | Apr 24 – May 29 | Jul 8 – Aug 5 |
| Kale | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | Apr 24 – May 8 | Apr 24 – May 8 | Jun 24 – Jul 15 |
| Broccoli | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | May 8 – May 22 | — | — |
| Cabbage | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | May 1 – May 15 | — | — |
| Cauliflower | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | May 8 – May 22 | — | — |
| Okra | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | Jun 12 – Jun 26 | Jun 12 – Jun 26 | — |
| Basil | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | May 29 – Jun 12 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 10 – May 1 | Jun 10 – Jul 1 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 10 – May 1 | Jul 8 – Jul 29 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 17 – May 29 | Jul 22 – Aug 12 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 24 – May 1 | Jun 5 – Jun 12 | May 29 – Jun 12 | — |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 24 – May 1 | — | May 29 – Jun 12 | — |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins Warning: Your frost-free season is about 103 days, which is tight for winter squash & pumpkins (100+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | Apr 24 – May 1 | — | May 29 – Jun 12 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 24 – May 1 | Jun 5 – Jun 19 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | — |
| Beets | — | — | May 1 – May 29 | Jun 24 – Jul 8 |
| Potatoes | — | — | May 1 – May 22 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | May 8 – Jun 5 | Jun 24 – Jul 8 |
| Cilantro | — | — | May 8 – May 29 | Jul 8 – Jul 29 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 29 – Jun 19 | — |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 29 – Jun 12 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes Warning: Your frost-free season is about 103 days, which is tight for sweet potatoes (100+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | — | Jun 5 – Jun 26 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Aug 19 – Sep 23 |
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 N Pole 1n, AK weather station, 3 km away (elevation 495 ft (151 m)).
Frost dates near North Pole
- Fort Wainwright May 16 · Sep 6
- Eielson Afb May 20 · Sep 1
- Fairbanks May 16 · Sep 6
- Two Rivers May 30 · Sep 2
- Ester May 24 · Sep 1
- Salcha May 20 · Sep 1
- Nenana May 15 · Sep 11
- Anderson May 24 · Sep 4
- Clear May 24 · Sep 4
- Fort Greely May 26 · Sep 2
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in North Pole, AK?
The median last spring frost in North Pole, AK is May 22. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after June 4, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in North Pole, AK?
The median first fall frost is September 2, with about a 10% chance of frost before August 20.
How long is the growing season in North Pole, AK?
About 103 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is North Pole, AK?
North Pole, AK is in USDA hardiness zone 2a.