Data: 2023 USDA zones (PRISM/OSU) · NOAA 1991–2020 normals · updated Oct 29, 2026

Planting zone for 97102 — Arch Cape, OR

ZIP code 97102 (Arch Cape, Clatsop County) is in USDA zone 9a: the coldest winter night averages 20 to 25 °F. The median last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost November 12.

Where ZIP 97102 is

Outlined: the ZIP code area · tap the map for the zone at any spot · scroll or pinch to zoom

Not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zones come from the 2023 USDA hardiness-zone data by the PRISM Group, Oregon State University; we re-mapped and recolored them. The official map is at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

Zone9a20 to 25 °F

Coldest night−6.7 to −3.9 °C

Last frostApr 2

First frostNov 12

2012 zone8b

Was 8b on the 2012 map — half a zone warmer now. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 9a means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Arch Cape, OR…

Forecast data: National Weather Service (api.weather.gov), public domain. This is not a warning service — for official frost and freeze warnings see weather.gov.

Frost dates in Arch Cape, OR

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Blue: frost possible · fading green: frost risk falling or rising (90% → 10%) · green: frost-free

Last spring frostApril 2median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsApril 29only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostNovember 12median — 10% chance by Oct 18

Growing season223 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around February 27 and returns around December 4.

From the NOAA station Seaside, OR — 14 miles away, elevation 10 ft. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, 32 °F threshold. Low spots and valleys can freeze later in spring than the station.

When to plant vegetables in 97102

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Feb 19 – Mar 5

SpinachSow outdoors · Feb 19 – Mar 12

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Jan 22 – Feb 5

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Mar 12 – Mar 26

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Mar 5 – Mar 19

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Mar 12 – Mar 26

LettuceSow outdoors · Mar 5 – Mar 19

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Mar 12 – Mar 26

TomatoesStart indoors · Feb 5 – Feb 19

TomatoesTransplant · Apr 9 – Apr 23

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Jan 22 – Feb 5

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Apr 16 – Apr 30

BeansSow outdoors · Apr 9 – Apr 23

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Apr 9 – Apr 23

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Apr 9 – Apr 23

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Sep 17 – Oct 1

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 29 – Dec 3

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Apr 2) and first fall frost (Nov 12) with the rules of thumb U.S. extension services publish. Cool-season crops take a light frost; warm-season crops do best once the soil is above about 60 °F.

When spring arrived in 2026

In 2026, spring leaf-out near 97102 came on Feb 13 — 3 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Feb 10).

average
Feb 102026
Feb 13

JanFebMarAprMayJun

The Spring Index marks the day when accumulated warmth is enough for lilac and honeysuckle to leaf out — a widely used signal that the growing season has started. Source: USA National Phenology Network, www.usanpn.org — Spring Indices, first leaf, 2026 (data as of 2026-09-08) and 30-year average 1991–2020 (CC BY 4.0).

Native plants for zone 9a in Oregon

666 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Oregon, and rated by the USDA to survive 20 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 9a. Each links to its USDA PLANTS profile.

Source: USDA, NRCS. 2026. The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov), National Plant Data Team — state distribution, native status and the “Temperature, Minimum” characteristic. Check light, moisture and soil needs before buying; local nurseries and your state native plant society can confirm what thrives in Arch Cape, OR.

Soil in Arch Cape, OR

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 97102 is Skipanon — slightly decomposed plant material, well drained.

TextureSlightly decomposed plant materialtop layer

pH4.5strongly acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter75%high

Hydrologic groupBwater soaks in moderately

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Skipanon gravelly medial silt loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, via Soil Data Access, accessed 2026-10-29. The soil at the center point of ZIP 97102; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Arch Cape, OR

Summer high67 °Faverage high, September

Winter low38 °Faverage low, February

Hot days0days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights29nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days1,402base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 43 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day8 h 40 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growLong-daysummer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too)

Precipitation121.3 inper year, rain and melted snow

Snowfall1 inper year

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches · ❄ = snowfall

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Seaside, OR (14 mi away); precipitation: Nehalem 9 Ne, OR (8 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

2 of the 8 nearest ZIP codes are in a different zone — elevation and distance from water change winter lows quickly.

971459a

Tolovana Park, OR · 4 mi

971309a

Manzanita, OR · 6 mi

971109a

Cannon Beach, OR · 7 mi

Rockaway Beach, OR · 11 mi

Oregon planting zones →

Questions about 97102

What planting zone is ZIP code 97102?

ZIP code 97102 (Arch Cape, OR) is in USDA hardiness zone 9a on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches 20 to 25 °F (−6.7 to −3.9 °C).

When is the last frost in Arch Cape, OR?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 97102 is April 2; after April 29 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Seaside station.

When is the first frost in Arch Cape, OR?

The median first fall frost near 97102 is November 12, giving a median frost-free growing season of 223 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 97102?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Feb 5 – Feb 19 and set transplants outside around Apr 9 – Apr 23, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 97102 get?

About 121.3 inches of precipitation a year and 1 inches of snowfall (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Nehalem 9 Ne station).

How hot do summers get in Arch Cape, OR?

The average high peaks at 67 °F in September, with about 0 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 97102 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Skipanon at the center of ZIP 97102: slightly decomposed plant material, well drained, pH about 4.5 (strongly acidic).

Did spring come early in Arch Cape, OR in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 97102 came on Feb 13 in 2026, 3 days later than the 1991–2020 average (Feb 10), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Arch Cape, OR?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 97102 is 15 h 43 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).

Did the zone for 97102 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 97102 in zone 8b; the 2023 map puts it in zone 9a. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.