Skagway, AK frost dates
How Skagway compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Skagway falls between April 24 and May 22, a 28-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 15 and October 19.
- The median last frost is 15 days earlier than the Alaska median of May 21.
- Its 148-day growing season is longer than 75% of the 165 Alaska places with a regular frost season (state median 124 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 5a, where the median is May 3.
- The weather station records an average of 159 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 24 |
| 50% (median) | May 6 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 22 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 15 |
| 50% (median) | October 1 |
| 90% (late) | October 19 |
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 Skagway, AK
Skagway, AK frost dates — last frost May 6, first frost Oct 1, zone 5a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Skagway, AK
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | Apr 8 – May 13 | Aug 6 – Sep 3 |
| Kale | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Jul 23 – Aug 13 |
| Broccoli | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 22 – May 6 | — | Jun 25 – Jul 16 |
| Cabbage | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | Jun 25 – Jul 16 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 22 – May 6 | — | Jun 25 – Jul 16 |
| Okra | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | May 27 – Jun 10 | May 27 – Jun 10 | — |
| Basil | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 25 – Apr 15 | Jul 9 – Jul 30 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 25 – Apr 15 | Aug 6 – Aug 27 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 1 – May 13 | Aug 20 – Sep 10 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | May 20 – May 27 | May 13 – May 27 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | — | May 13 – May 27 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | — | May 13 – May 27 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 15 – May 13 | Jul 9 – Jul 23 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 15 – May 13 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 15 – May 6 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 22 – May 20 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 22 – May 13 | Aug 6 – Aug 27 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 13 – Jun 3 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 13 – May 27 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 20 – Jun 10 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 17 – Oct 22 |
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 Skagway, AK weather station, 2 km away (elevation 36 ft (11 m)).
Frost dates near Skagway
- Haines Apr 25 · Oct 12
- Auke Bay Apr 29 · Oct 20
- Gustavus May 30 · Sep 16
- Juneau Apr 20 · Oct 22
- Douglas Apr 20 · Oct 22
- Hoonah May 9 · Oct 4
- Elfin Cove Apr 26 · Nov 1
- Pelican May 4 · Oct 19
- Tenakee Springs May 9 · Oct 4
- Angoon Apr 29 · Oct 25
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Skagway, AK?
The median last spring frost in Skagway, AK is May 6. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 22, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Skagway, AK?
The median first fall frost is October 1, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 15.
How long is the growing season in Skagway, AK?
About 148 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Skagway, AK?
Skagway, AK is in USDA hardiness zone 5a.