Data: 2023 USDA zones (PRISM/OSU) · NOAA 1991–2020 normals · updated Oct 30, 2026

Planting zone for 99695 — Anchorage, AK

ZIP code 99695 (Anchorage, Anchorage Municipality) is in USDA zone 6b: the coldest winter night averages −5 to 0 °F. The median last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost October 18.

Where ZIP 99695 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.

Zone6b−5 to 0 °F

Coldest night−20.6 to −17.8 °C

Last frostMay 11

First frostOct 18

2012 zone7a

Was 7a on the 2012 map — half a zone colder now. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 6b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Anchorage, 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 Anchorage, AK

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMay 11median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMay 25only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostOctober 18median — 10% chance by Oct 4

Growing season160 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around April 26 and returns around November 1.

From the NOAA station Sand Point 1 Ene, AK — 55 miles away, elevation 240 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 99695

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Mar 30 – Apr 13

SpinachSow outdoors · Mar 30 – Apr 20

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 2 – Mar 16

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Apr 20 – May 4

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 13 – Apr 27

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Apr 20 – May 4

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 13 – Apr 27

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Apr 20 – May 4

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 16 – Mar 30

TomatoesTransplant · May 18 – Jun 1

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 2 – Mar 16

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · May 25 – Jun 8

BeansSow outdoors · May 18 – Jun 1

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 18 – Jun 1

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 18 – Jun 1

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 23 – Sep 6

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 4 – Nov 8

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 11) and first fall frost (Oct 18) 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 6b in Alaska

286 plants native to Alaska, recorded in Alaska, and rated by the USDA to survive −5 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 6b. 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 Anchorage, AK.

Soil in Anchorage, AK

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 99695 is E25-Maritime tall scrub-ashy till slopes — slightly decomposed plant material, well drained.

TextureSlightly decomposed plant materialtop layer

pH4.4strongly 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: Southern Alaska Peninsula Mountains-Maritime Upland-Rounded Mountains.

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 99695; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Anchorage, AK

Summer high57 °Faverage high, August

Winter low27 °Faverage low, January

Hot days0days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights111nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days196base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day17 h 36 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day6 h 58 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation48.9 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: Sand Point 1 Ene, AK (55 mi away); precipitation: Sand Point 1 Ene, AK (55 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

3 of the 6 nearest ZIP codes are in a different zone — elevation and distance from water change winter lows quickly.

996486b

Perryville, AK · 13 mi

995486b

Chignik Lake, AK · 37 mi

995656a

Chignik Lagoon, AK · 47 mi

995646b

Chignik, AK · 50 mi

996617b

Sand Point, AK · 66 mi

995495b

Port Heiden, AK · 80 mi

All 25 ZIP codes in Anchorage → · Alaska planting zones →

Questions about 99695

What planting zone is ZIP code 99695?

ZIP code 99695 (Anchorage, AK) is in USDA hardiness zone 6b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −5 to 0 °F (−20.6 to −17.8 °C).

When is the last frost in Anchorage, AK?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 99695 is May 11; after May 25 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Sand Point 1 Ene station.

When is the first frost in Anchorage, AK?

The median first fall frost near 99695 is October 18, giving a median frost-free growing season of 160 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 99695?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 16 – Mar 30 and set transplants outside around May 18 – Jun 1, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 99695 get?

About 48.9 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Sand Point 1 Ene station).

How hot do summers get in Anchorage, AK?

The average high peaks at 57 °F in August, with about 0 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 99695 have?

The USDA soil survey maps E25-Maritime tall scrub-ashy till slopes at the center of ZIP 99695: slightly decomposed plant material, well drained, pH about 4.4 (strongly acidic).

What kind of onions grow in Anchorage, AK?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 99695 is 17 h 36 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).

Did the zone for 99695 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 99695 in zone 7a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 6b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.