Last spring frost
Apr 14
Frost Dates for Metlakatla, AK
First fall frost
Oct 25
Growing season
192 days
In an average year around Metlakatla, AK, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 14 and the first fall frost is about Oct 25, giving roughly a 192-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Mar 30 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 17 | May 4 | Apr 20 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 1 | Apr 14 | Mar 30 |
| Hard (28°F) | Apr 9 | Mar 26 | Mar 10 |
| Severe (24°F) | Mar 22 | Mar 3 | Jan 29 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 17 | May 13 | May 10 | May 7 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 20 |
| 32°F | May 1 | Apr 26 | Apr 22 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Mar 30 |
| 28°F | Apr 9 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 26 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 | Mar 15 | Mar 10 |
| 24°F | Mar 22 | Mar 16 | Mar 11 | Mar 6 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 25 | Feb 18 | Jan 29 |
| 20°F | Mar 4 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 19 | Feb 13 | Feb 1 | Jan 12 | Dec 28 | Dec 8 |
| 16°F | Feb 26 | Feb 21 | Feb 15 | Feb 10 | Jan 20 | Dec 31 | Dec 23 | Dec 13 | Dec 4 |
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 29 | Oct 10 | Oct 24 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 8 | Oct 25 | Nov 9 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 22 | Nov 8 | Dec 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 3 | Nov 28 | Jan 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 6 | Oct 10 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 24 |
| 32°F | Oct 8 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 9 |
| 28°F | Oct 22 | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 17 | Nov 23 | Dec 1 |
| 24°F | Nov 3 | Nov 11 | Nov 17 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 3 | Dec 10 | Dec 18 | Jan 1 |
| 20°F | Nov 16 | Nov 27 | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 20 | Dec 28 | Jan 7 | Jan 29 | Feb 15 |
| 16°F | Dec 1 | Dec 7 | Dec 14 | Dec 24 | Dec 31 | Jan 17 | Feb 6 | Feb 14 | Feb 22 |
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: Metlakatla 6 S, Ak, about 7.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 105 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 Metlakatla, AK?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Metlakatla, AK is about Apr 14. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Mar 30.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Metlakatla, AK typically arrives about Oct 25. 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 14 on average, or Mar 30 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 192 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 99926 Planting calendar → Alaska frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026