Last spring frost
Apr 20
Frost Dates for Loring, AK
First fall frost
Oct 26
Growing season
189 days
In an average year around Loring, AK, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 20 and the first fall frost is about Oct 26, giving roughly a 189-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 1 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 21 | May 6 | Apr 24 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 4 | Apr 20 | Apr 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 15 | Mar 29 | Mar 12 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 22 | Mar 2 | Jan 26 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 21 | May 16 | May 12 | May 9 | May 6 | May 3 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 |
| 32°F | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 24 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 7 | Apr 1 |
| 28°F | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 26 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 12 |
| 24°F | Mar 22 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 7 | Mar 2 | Feb 27 | Feb 23 | Feb 17 | Jan 26 |
| 20°F | Mar 6 | Feb 28 | Feb 24 | Feb 20 | Feb 12 | Jan 31 | Jan 15 | Jan 3 | Dec 20 |
| 16°F | Mar 5 | Feb 27 | Feb 17 | Feb 3 | Jan 25 | Jan 12 | Jan 6 | Dec 31 | Dec 20 |
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 28 | Oct 9 | Oct 26 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 10 | Oct 26 | Nov 13 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 23 | Nov 14 | Dec 7 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 8 | Dec 5 | Jan 17 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 6 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 26 |
| 32°F | Oct 10 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 13 |
| 28°F | Oct 23 | Oct 31 | Nov 4 | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 29 | Dec 7 |
| 24°F | Nov 8 | Nov 17 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 | Dec 5 | Dec 12 | Dec 22 | Jan 1 | Jan 17 |
| 20°F | Nov 23 | Dec 3 | Dec 11 | Dec 21 | Dec 30 | Jan 3 | Jan 12 | Jan 31 | Feb 15 |
| 16°F | Dec 7 | Dec 21 | Dec 30 | Jan 4 | Jan 10 | Jan 19 | Feb 1 | Feb 15 | Feb 27 |
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: Ketchikan 10N, Ak, about 22.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 295 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 Loring, AK?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Loring, AK is about Apr 20. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 1.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Loring, AK typically arrives about Oct 26. 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 Apr 20 on average, or Apr 1 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 189 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 99901 Planting calendar → Alaska frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026