Frost dates for 99708 — Fairbanks, AK
Last spring frostMay 13median date
First fall frostSep 15median date
Growing season125 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone2aZone 2a
How Fairbanks compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Fairbanks falls between May 2 and May 31, a 29-day window. The first fall frost falls between August 29 and September 28.
- The median last frost is 8 days earlier than the Alaska median of May 21.
- Its 125-day growing season is longer than 61% of the 165 Alaska places with a regular frost season (state median 124 days).
- The last frost is 11 days earlier than the zone 2a median of May 24. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 2a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 219 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 2 |
| 50% (median) | May 13 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 31 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | August 29 |
| 50% (median) | September 15 |
| 90% (late) | September 28 |
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 Fairbanks, AK
Frost dates for 99708 — Fairbanks, AK — last frost May 13, first frost Sep 15, zone 2a. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
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Start indoors: Feb 18 to Mar 4Transplant outside: Apr 15 to Apr 29
Start indoors: Mar 4 to Mar 18Transplant outside: May 27 to Jun 10
Start indoors: Mar 4 to Mar 18Transplant outside: May 27 to Jun 10
Start indoors: Mar 18 to Apr 1Transplant outside: May 20 to Jun 3
Start indoors: Mar 18 to Apr 1Transplant outside: Apr 22 to May 6Sow outdoors: Apr 15 to May 20Plant for fall: Jul 21 to Aug 18
Start indoors: Mar 18 to Apr 1Transplant outside: Apr 15 to Apr 29Sow outdoors: Apr 15 to Apr 29Plant for fall: Jul 7 to Jul 28
Start indoors: Mar 18 to Apr 1Transplant outside: Apr 29 to May 13Plant for fall: Jun 9 to Jun 30
Start indoors: Mar 18 to Apr 1Transplant outside: Apr 22 to May 6Plant for fall: Jun 9 to Jun 30
Start indoors: Mar 18 to Apr 1Transplant outside: Apr 29 to May 13Plant for fall: Jun 9 to Jun 30
Start indoors: Apr 1 to Apr 15Transplant outside: Jun 3 to Jun 17Sow outdoors: Jun 3 to Jun 17
Start indoors: Apr 1 to Apr 15Transplant outside: May 20 to Jun 3
Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to Apr 22Plant for fall: Jun 23 to Jul 14
Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to Apr 22Plant for fall: Jul 21 to Aug 11
Sow outdoors: Apr 8 to May 20Plant for fall: Aug 4 to Aug 25
Start indoors: Apr 15 to Apr 22Transplant outside: May 27 to Jun 3Sow outdoors: May 20 to Jun 3Plant for fall: Jun 30 to Jul 14
Start indoors: Apr 15 to Apr 22Sow outdoors: May 20 to Jun 3Plant for fall: Jul 7 to Jul 21
Start indoors: Apr 15 to Apr 22Sow outdoors: May 20 to Jun 3
Start indoors: Apr 15 to Apr 22Transplant outside: May 27 to Jun 10
Sow outdoors: Apr 22 to May 20Plant for fall: Jun 23 to Jul 7
Sow outdoors: Apr 22 to May 20Plant for fall: Jul 7 to Jul 21
Sow outdoors: Apr 22 to May 13
Sow outdoors: Apr 29 to May 27Plant for fall: Jul 7 to Jul 21
Sow outdoors: Apr 29 to May 20Plant for fall: Jul 21 to Aug 11
Sow outdoors: May 20 to Jun 10Plant for fall: Jun 30 to Jul 14
Sow outdoors: May 20 to Jun 3
Transplant outside: May 27 to Jun 17
Plant for fall: Sep 1 to Oct 6
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Fairbanks, AK
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | May 27 – Jun 10 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | May 27 – Jun 10 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Apr 22 – May 6 | Apr 15 – May 20 | Jul 21 – Aug 18 |
| Kale | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | Jul 7 – Jul 28 |
| Broccoli | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Apr 29 – May 13 | — | Jun 9 – Jun 30 |
| Cabbage | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Apr 22 – May 6 | — | Jun 9 – Jun 30 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Apr 29 – May 13 | — | Jun 9 – Jun 30 |
| Okra | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Jun 3 – Jun 17 | Jun 3 – Jun 17 | — |
| Basil | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 1 – Apr 22 | Jun 23 – Jul 14 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 1 – Apr 22 | Jul 21 – Aug 11 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 8 – May 20 | Aug 4 – Aug 25 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 15 – Apr 22 | May 27 – Jun 3 | May 20 – Jun 3 | Jun 30 – Jul 14 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 15 – Apr 22 | — | May 20 – Jun 3 | Jul 7 – Jul 21 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 15 – Apr 22 | — | May 20 – Jun 3 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 15 – Apr 22 | May 27 – Jun 10 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 22 – May 20 | Jun 23 – Jul 7 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 22 – May 20 | Jul 7 – Jul 21 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 22 – May 13 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 29 – May 27 | Jul 7 – Jul 21 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 29 – May 20 | Jul 21 – Aug 11 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 20 – Jun 10 | Jun 30 – Jul 14 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 20 – Jun 3 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 27 – Jun 17 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 1 – Oct 6 |
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 College 5 Nw, AK weather station, 3 km away (elevation 978 ft (298 m)).
ZIP codes in Fairbanks: 99701 99706 99707 99708 99709 99710 99711 99712 99775 99790
Frost dates near Fairbanks
- Ester May 24 · Sep 1
- Fort Wainwright May 16 · Sep 6
- North Pole May 22 · Sep 2
- Two Rivers May 30 · Sep 2
- Eielson Afb May 20 · Sep 1
- Salcha May 20 · Sep 1
- Nenana May 15 · Sep 11
- Minto frost any month
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Fairbanks, AK?
The median last spring frost in Fairbanks, AK is May 13. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 31, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Fairbanks, AK?
The median first fall frost is September 15, with about a 10% chance of frost before August 29.
How long is the growing season in Fairbanks, AK?
About 125 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Fairbanks, AK?
Fairbanks, AK is in USDA hardiness zone 2a.