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

Planting zone for 99586 — Gakona, AK

ZIP code 99586 (Gakona, Copper River Census Area County) is in USDA zone 2b: the coldest winter night averages −45 to −40 °F. The median last spring frost is June 4 and the first fall frost September 1.

Where ZIP 99586 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.

Zone2b−45 to −40 °F

Coldest night−42.8 to −40 °C

Last frostJun 4

First frostSep 1

2012 zone2b

Same zone as on the 2012 map. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 2b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Gakona, AK…

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 Gakona, AK

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostJune 4median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsJuly 3only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostSeptember 1median — 10% chance by Aug 19

Growing season85 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 16 and returns around September 11.

From the NOAA station Nabesna, AK — 44 miles away, elevation 2,920 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 99586

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Apr 23 – May 7

SpinachSow outdoors · Apr 23 – May 14

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 26 – Apr 9

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · May 14 – May 28

Onion setsPlant outdoors · May 7 – May 21

PotatoesPlant outdoors · May 14 – May 28

LettuceSow outdoors · May 7 – May 21

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · May 14 – May 28

TomatoesStart indoors · Apr 9 – Apr 23

TomatoesTransplant · Jun 11 – Jun 25

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 26 – Apr 9

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Jun 18 – Jul 2

BeansSow outdoors · Jun 11 – Jun 25

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Jun 11 – Jun 25

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Jun 11 – Jun 25

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Jul 7 – Jul 21

GarlicPlant cloves · Aug 18 – Sep 22

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Jun 4) and first fall frost (Sep 1) 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.

Native plants for zone 2b in Alaska

45 plants native to Alaska, recorded in Alaska, and rated by the USDA to survive −45 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 2b. 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 Gakona, AK.

Soil in Gakona, AK

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 99586 is Dodger — peat, very poorly drained.

TexturePeattop layer

DrainageVery poorly drainedconsider raised beds

Organic matter75%high

Hydrologic groupC/Dslow when drained; wet otherwise

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Dodger-Klawasi-Octopuslake association, 0 to 5 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 99586; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Gakona, AK

Summer high66 °Faverage high, July

Winter low−11 °Faverage low, January

Hot days0days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights250nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days388base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day20 h 08 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day4 h 51 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation18.7 inper year, rain and melted snow

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Nabesna, AK (44 mi away); precipitation: Glennallen 64 N, AK (46 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

5 of the 5 nearest ZIP codes are in a different zone — elevation and distance from water change winter lows quickly.

997761b

Tanacross, AK · 50 mi

997373a

Delta Junction, AK · 62 mi

995734b

Copper Center, AK · 90 mi

997063b

Fairbanks, AK · 92 mi

995664b

Chitina, AK · 112 mi

Alaska planting zones →

Questions about 99586

What planting zone is ZIP code 99586?

ZIP code 99586 (Gakona, AK) is in USDA hardiness zone 2b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −45 to −40 °F (−42.8 to −40 °C).

When is the last frost in Gakona, AK?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 99586 is June 4; after July 3 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Nabesna station.

When is the first frost in Gakona, AK?

The median first fall frost near 99586 is September 1, giving a median frost-free growing season of 85 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 99586?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Apr 9 – Apr 23 and set transplants outside around Jun 11 – Jun 25, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 99586 get?

About 18.7 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Glennallen 64 N station).

How hot do summers get in Gakona, AK?

The average high peaks at 66 °F in July, with about 0 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 99586 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Dodger at the center of ZIP 99586: peat, very poorly drained.

What kind of onions grow in Gakona, AK?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 99586 is 20 h 08 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).