Last spring frost
May 24
Frost Dates for Ester, AK
First fall frost
Sep 1
Growing season
98 days
In an average year around Ester, AK, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 24 and the first fall frost is about Sep 1, giving roughly a 98-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 12 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) | Jun 22 | Jun 4 | May 24 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 4 | May 24 | May 12 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 27 | May 13 | May 3 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 17 | May 5 | Apr 23 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 22 | Jun 14 | Jun 9 | Jun 6 | Jun 4 | Jun 2 | May 31 | May 29 | May 24 |
| 32°F | Jun 4 | Jun 1 | May 29 | May 27 | May 24 | May 21 | May 18 | May 16 | May 12 |
| 28°F | May 27 | May 22 | May 18 | May 15 | May 13 | May 11 | May 9 | May 6 | May 3 |
| 24°F | May 17 | May 12 | May 9 | May 7 | May 5 | May 3 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 23 |
| 20°F | May 9 | May 4 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 24 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 |
| 16°F | May 2 | Apr 28 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 |
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) | Aug 8 | Aug 21 | Sep 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Aug 19 | Sep 1 | Sep 12 |
| Hard (28°F) | Aug 30 | Sep 11 | Sep 23 |
| Severe (24°F) | Sep 8 | Sep 21 | Oct 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Aug 8 | Aug 13 | Aug 16 | Aug 19 | Aug 21 | Aug 24 | Aug 27 | Aug 29 | Sep 1 |
| 32°F | Aug 19 | Aug 24 | Aug 27 | Aug 29 | Sep 1 | Sep 2 | Sep 4 | Sep 7 | Sep 12 |
| 28°F | Aug 30 | Sep 2 | Sep 5 | Sep 8 | Sep 11 | Sep 14 | Sep 17 | Sep 20 | Sep 23 |
| 24°F | Sep 8 | Sep 13 | Sep 16 | Sep 19 | Sep 21 | Sep 24 | Sep 26 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 |
| 20°F | Sep 16 | Sep 21 | Sep 25 | Sep 28 | Sep 30 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 8 | Oct 13 |
| 16°F | Sep 25 | Sep 29 | Oct 2 | Oct 5 | Oct 7 | Oct 10 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 20 |
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: Ester, Ak, about 4.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 655 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 Ester, AK?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Ester, AK is about May 24. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 12.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Ester, AK typically arrives about Sep 1. 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 24 on average, or May 12 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 98 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 99709 Planting calendar → Alaska frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026