Last spring frost
May 1
Frost Dates for Anchorage, AK
First fall frost
Sep 29
Growing season
150 days
In an average year around Anchorage, AK, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 1 and the first fall frost is about Sep 29, giving roughly a 150-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 19 before setting out tender plants.
Last spring frost
Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | May 23 | May 12 | May 2 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 9 | May 1 | Apr 19 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 1 | Apr 19 | Apr 10 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 24 | Apr 10 | Apr 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 23 | May 19 | May 16 | May 14 | May 12 | May 10 | May 8 | May 5 | May 2 |
| 32°F | May 9 | May 6 | May 4 | May 3 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 |
| 28°F | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 17 | Apr 15 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 |
| 24°F | Apr 24 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 8 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 |
| 20°F | Apr 19 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 25 |
| 16°F | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 17 |
First fall frost
Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Sep 7 | Sep 20 | Sep 30 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 17 | Sep 29 | Oct 12 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 27 | Oct 8 | Oct 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 3 | Oct 18 | Oct 31 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 7 | Sep 11 | Sep 15 | Sep 17 | Sep 20 | Sep 22 | Sep 24 | Sep 27 | Sep 30 |
| 32°F | Sep 17 | Sep 21 | Sep 24 | Sep 27 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 12 |
| 28°F | Sep 27 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 8 | Oct 12 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 21 |
| 24°F | Oct 3 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 25 | Oct 31 |
| 20°F | Oct 11 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 4 | Nov 9 |
| 16°F | Oct 19 | Oct 24 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 18 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
Where this data comes from
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Anchorage Merrill Fld, Ak, about 1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 138 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
How we calculate these dates
Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Anchorage, AK?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Anchorage, AK is about May 1. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 19.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Anchorage, AK typically arrives about Sep 29. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.
When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?
Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around May 1 on average, or Apr 19 to be safe most years.
How long is the growing season here?
The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 150 days in a typical year.
Are these dates a forecast for this year?
No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.
Local weather for 99513 Planting calendar → Alaska frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026