When is the last frost in Fairbanks, AK?

For ZIP code 99712, the average last spring frost (32°F) is June 1, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Gilmore Creek, AK weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after June 17.

When is the first frost in Fairbanks, AK?

The average first fall frost (32°F) is August 28. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by August 13, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.

How long is the growing season in 99712?

In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 87 days long.

Are these frost dates a forecast?

No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.

Frost dates for 99712Fairbanks, AK

The average last spring frost in Fairbanks is June 1 and the average first fall frost is August 28, giving a typical growing season of about 87 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.

Average last spring frost: Jun 1
Average first fall frost: Aug 28
Growing season: 87 days

Frost risk by date

NOAA reports frost dates as probabilities. The middle date is the average (a 50% chance). For spring, the 10% date is a safer planting date: frost after it happens in about 1 year in 10. Light frost (36°F) can damage tender plants; a hard freeze (28°F) kills most annuals.

Spring dates: chance of a frost AFTER the date. Fall dates: chance of a frost BEFORE the date.
Temperature	Last spring: 90% / 50% / 10% chance	First fall: 10% / 50% / 90% chance	Growing season (50%)	Years with at least one
Light frost (36°F)	—	—	57 days	100%
Frost / freeze (32°F)	May 18 · Jun 1 · Jun 17	Aug 13 · Aug 28 · Sep 11	87 days	100%
Hard freeze (28°F)	May 6 · May 18 · Jun 2	Aug 26 · Sep 7 · Sep 23	111 days	100%

Where these dates come from

ZIP code 99712 is matched to the NOAA station Gilmore Creek, AK, 7.3 km away, at 945 ft elevation (39 ft higher than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:

Station	Elevation	Avg last frost	Avg first frost
Gilmore Creek, AK (used)	945 ft	Jun 1	Aug 28
Fairbanks 11 Ne, AK	1,140 ft	May 12	Sep 16
Fox 2 Se, AK	775 ft	May 28	Sep 1
Aurora, AK	443 ft	May 16	Sep 6

Frost dates near Fairbanks

Fort Wainwright, AK 99703 · last May 16, first Sep 6
Fairbanks, AK 99701 · last May 16, first Sep 6
North Pole, AK 99705 · last May 18, first Sep 5
Ester, AK 99725 · last May 15, first Sep 16
Two Rivers, AK 99716 · last May 30, first Sep 2
Eielson Afb, AK 99702 · last May 20, first Sep 1
Salcha, AK 99714 · last May 20, first Sep 1
Fort Greely, AK 99731 · last May 17, first Sep 7

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Fairbanks, AK?: For ZIP code 99712, the average last spring frost (32°F) is June 1, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Gilmore Creek, AK weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after June 17.
When is the first frost in Fairbanks, AK?: The average first fall frost (32°F) is August 28. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by August 13, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
How long is the growing season in 99712?: In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 87 days long.
Are these frost dates a forecast?: No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.