Last frost date in Fairbanks, AK
In Fairbanks, the last spring frost comes around May 16 in an average year. Wait until May 29 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about September 6, which leaves 112 frost-free days. An early freeze before August 25 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 29
- Average first frost
- Sep 6
- Frost-free season
- 112 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- May 7
Hard freeze likely Thu night, low 14°F
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2214°hard freeze
- FriOct 2323°hard freeze
- SatOct 2426°hard freeze
- SunOct 2527°hard freeze
- MonOct 2629°frost
- TueOct 2727°hard freeze
Planting calendar for Fairbanks
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Alaska.
TomatoesMay 23–Jun 6
PumpkinsMay 30–Jun 13
SunflowersMay 16–Jun 6
CucumbersMay 30–Jun 6
CornMay 23–Jun 6
Sweet potatoesJun 6–Jun 20
WatermelonMay 30–Jun 13
Green beansMay 23–Jun 13
ZucchiniMay 23–Jun 6
OkraJun 6–Jun 20
PeppersMay 30–Jun 13
BasilMay 23–Jun 6
Butternut squashMay 23–Jun 6
CantaloupeMay 30–Jun 13
EggplantMay 30–Jun 13
PotatoesApr 18–May 2
OnionsApr 4–Apr 25
CarrotsApr 25–May 30
LettuceMay 2–May 23
BroccoliApr 18–May 2
BeetsApr 18–May 30
PeasApr 4–Apr 18
CabbageApr 18–May 2
RadishesApr 11–May 23
Brussels sproutsMay 2–May 16
SpinachApr 4–Apr 25
CilantroMay 2–May 23
KaleApr 18–May 2
Collard greensApr 18–May 2
TurnipsApr 18–May 2
DillMay 16–May 30
CeleryMay 23–May 30
CauliflowerMay 2–May 16
LeeksMay 2–May 16
Swiss chardMay 2–May 30
ParsleyMay 2–May 23
Tulip bulbsAug 23–Sep 27
GarlicAug 16–Sep 20
Daffodil bulbsAug 9–Sep 20
StrawberriesApr 18–May 2
AsparagusApr 18–May 2The frost-free season here is short for pumpkins, sunflowers, corn, sweet potatoes, watermelon, butternut squash. Start them indoors and look for early varieties.
Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | May 5 | May 16 | May 29 | Aug 25 | Sep 6 | Sep 20 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Apr 26 | May 7 | May 19 | Sep 4 | Sep 18 | Sep 30 |
Read the spring 10% column as the date after which only one year in ten still gets frost. That is the safer date for tomatoes, peppers and basil.
Where these numbers come from
NOAA station Aurora (USC00500490) sits 2.4 miles from the center of Fairbanks at 443 feet. Its averages cover 1991 to 2020. Low spots, valleys and open fields can keep getting frost a week or two after the station stops; city centers and lakeshores usually get less of it.
Questions
When is the last frost in Fairbanks, AK?
The average last frost date in Fairbanks is May 16, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 29.
When is the first frost in Fairbanks?
The first frost in fall usually comes around September 6. One year in ten it arrives before August 25.
How long is the growing season in Fairbanks?
About 112 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Fairbanks?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 23 to June 6. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.