Last spring frost
May 30
Frost Dates for Gustavus, AK
First fall frost
Sep 16
Growing season
107 days
In an average year around Gustavus, AK, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 30 and the first fall frost is about Sep 16, giving roughly a 107-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 14 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%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 22 | May 30 | May 14 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 27 | May 12 | Apr 27 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 11 | Apr 26 | Apr 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32°F | Jun 22 | Jun 13 | Jun 5 | Jun 1 | May 30 | May 27 | May 23 | May 19 | May 14 |
| 28°F | May 27 | May 22 | May 18 | May 15 | May 12 | May 8 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 27 |
| 24°F | May 11 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 13 | Apr 6 |
| 20°F | Apr 29 | Apr 21 | Apr 16 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 22 |
| 16°F | Apr 13 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 15 | Mar 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%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freeze (32°F) | Aug 29 | Sep 16 | Oct 4 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 13 | Oct 1 | Oct 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 1 | Oct 17 | Nov 7 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32°F | Aug 29 | Sep 3 | Sep 8 | Sep 13 | Sep 16 | Sep 20 | Sep 23 | Sep 28 | Oct 4 |
| 28°F | Sep 13 | Sep 20 | Sep 24 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 12 | Oct 18 |
| 24°F | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 8 | Oct 12 | Oct 17 | Oct 21 | Oct 26 | Nov 1 | Nov 7 |
| 20°F | Oct 10 | Oct 19 | Oct 24 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 20 |
| 16°F | Oct 25 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 | Nov 28 | Dec 7 |
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: Gustavus, Ak, about 3.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 40 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 Gustavus, AK?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Gustavus, AK is about May 30. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 14.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Gustavus, AK typically arrives about Sep 16. 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 30 on average, or May 14 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 107 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 99826 Planting calendar → Alaska frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026