Frost dates for 99709 — Fairbanks, AK
Last spring frostMay 18median date
First fall frostSep 6median date
Growing season111 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone3bZone 3b
How Fairbanks compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Fairbanks falls between May 7 and June 1, a 25-day window. The first fall frost falls between August 24 and September 20.
- The median last frost is 3 days earlier than the Alaska median of May 21.
- Its 111-day growing season is longer than 30% of the 165 Alaska places with a regular frost season (state median 124 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 3b, where the median is May 17.
- The weather station records an average of 229 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 7 |
| 50% (median) | May 18 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | June 1 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | August 24 |
| 50% (median) | September 6 |
| 90% (late) | September 20 |
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 99709 — Fairbanks, AK — last frost May 18, first frost Sep 6, zone 3b. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
JFMAMJJASOND
Start indoors: Feb 23 to Mar 9Transplant outside: Apr 20 to May 4
Start indoors: Mar 9 to Mar 23Transplant outside: Jun 1 to Jun 15
Start indoors: Mar 9 to Mar 23Transplant outside: Jun 1 to Jun 15
Start indoors: Mar 23 to Apr 6Transplant outside: May 25 to Jun 8
Start indoors: Mar 23 to Apr 6Transplant outside: Apr 27 to May 11Sow outdoors: Apr 20 to May 25Plant for fall: Jul 12 to Aug 9
Start indoors: Mar 23 to Apr 6Transplant outside: Apr 20 to May 4Sow outdoors: Apr 20 to May 4Plant for fall: Jun 28 to Jul 19
Start indoors: Mar 23 to Apr 6Transplant outside: May 4 to May 18
Start indoors: Mar 23 to Apr 6Transplant outside: Apr 27 to May 11
Start indoors: Mar 23 to Apr 6Transplant outside: May 4 to May 18
Start indoors: Apr 6 to Apr 20Transplant outside: Jun 8 to Jun 22Sow outdoors: Jun 8 to Jun 22
Start indoors: Apr 6 to Apr 20Transplant outside: May 25 to Jun 8
Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to Apr 27Plant for fall: Jun 14 to Jul 5
Sow outdoors: Apr 6 to Apr 27Plant for fall: Jul 12 to Aug 2
Sow outdoors: Apr 13 to May 25Plant for fall: Jul 26 to Aug 16
Start indoors: Apr 20 to Apr 27Transplant outside: Jun 1 to Jun 8Sow outdoors: May 25 to Jun 8
Start indoors: Apr 20 to Apr 27Sow outdoors: May 25 to Jun 8Plant for fall: Jun 28 to Jul 12
Start indoors: Apr 20 to Apr 27Sow outdoors: May 25 to Jun 8
Start indoors: Apr 20 to Apr 27Transplant outside: Jun 1 to Jun 15
Sow outdoors: Apr 27 to May 25Plant for fall: Jun 14 to Jun 28
Sow outdoors: Apr 27 to May 25Plant for fall: Jun 28 to Jul 12
Sow outdoors: Apr 27 to May 18
Sow outdoors: May 4 to Jun 1Plant for fall: Jun 28 to Jul 12
Sow outdoors: May 4 to May 25Plant for fall: Jul 12 to Aug 2
Sow outdoors: May 25 to Jun 15
Sow outdoors: May 25 to Jun 8
Transplant outside: Jun 1 to Jun 22
Plant for fall: Aug 23 to Sep 27
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 23 – Mar 9 | Apr 20 – May 4 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Jun 1 – Jun 15 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Jun 1 – Jun 15 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | May 25 – Jun 8 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | Apr 27 – May 11 | Apr 20 – May 25 | Jul 12 – Aug 9 |
| Kale | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | Apr 20 – May 4 | Apr 20 – May 4 | Jun 28 – Jul 19 |
| Broccoli | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | May 4 – May 18 | — | — |
| Cabbage | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | Apr 27 – May 11 | — | — |
| Cauliflower | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | May 4 – May 18 | — | — |
| Okra | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | Jun 8 – Jun 22 | Jun 8 – Jun 22 | — |
| Basil | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | May 25 – Jun 8 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 6 – Apr 27 | Jun 14 – Jul 5 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 6 – Apr 27 | Jul 12 – Aug 2 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 13 – May 25 | Jul 26 – Aug 16 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 20 – Apr 27 | Jun 1 – Jun 8 | May 25 – Jun 8 | — |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 20 – Apr 27 | — | May 25 – Jun 8 | Jun 28 – Jul 12 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins Warning: Your frost-free season is about 111 days, which is tight for winter squash & pumpkins (100+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | Apr 20 – Apr 27 | — | May 25 – Jun 8 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 20 – Apr 27 | Jun 1 – Jun 15 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 27 – May 25 | Jun 14 – Jun 28 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 27 – May 25 | Jun 28 – Jul 12 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 27 – May 18 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | May 4 – Jun 1 | Jun 28 – Jul 12 |
| Cilantro | — | — | May 4 – May 25 | Jul 12 – Aug 2 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 25 – Jun 15 | — |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 25 – Jun 8 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes Warning: Your frost-free season is about 111 days, which is tight for sweet potatoes (100+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | — | Jun 1 – Jun 22 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Aug 23 – Sep 27 |
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 Obsy, AK weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 597 ft (182 m)).
ZIP codes in Fairbanks: 99701 99706 99707 99708 99709 99710 99711 99712 99775 99790
Frost dates near Fairbanks
- Fort Wainwright May 16 · Sep 6
- Ester May 24 · Sep 1
- North Pole May 22 · Sep 2
- Eielson Afb May 20 · Sep 1
- Two Rivers May 30 · Sep 2
- Salcha May 20 · Sep 1
- Nenana May 15 · Sep 11
- Anderson May 24 · Sep 4
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Fairbanks, AK?
The median last spring frost in Fairbanks, AK is May 18. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after June 1, 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 6, with about a 10% chance of frost before August 24.
How long is the growing season in Fairbanks, AK?
About 111 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Fairbanks, AK?
Fairbanks, AK is in USDA hardiness zone 3b.