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

Planting zone for 99704 — Clear, AK

ZIP code 99704 (Clear, Denali County) is in USDA zone 2a: the coldest winter night averages −50 to −45 °F. The median last spring frost is May 24 and the first fall frost September 4.

Where ZIP 99704 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.

Zone2a−50 to −45 °F

Coldest night−45.6 to −42.8 °C

Last frostMay 24

First frostSep 4

2012 zone2a

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 2a means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Clear, 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 Clear, AK

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMay 24median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsJune 12only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostSeptember 4median — 10% chance by Aug 19

Growing season100 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 11 and returns around September 15.

From the NOAA station Clear Sky, AK — 3 miles away, elevation 646 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 99704

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Apr 12 – Apr 26

SpinachSow outdoors · Apr 12 – May 3

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 15 – Mar 29

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · May 3 – May 17

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 26 – May 10

PotatoesPlant outdoors · May 3 – May 17

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 26 – May 10

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · May 3 – May 17

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 29 – Apr 12

TomatoesTransplant · May 31 – Jun 14

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 15 – Mar 29

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Jun 7 – Jun 21

BeansSow outdoors · May 31 – Jun 14

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 31 – Jun 14

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 31 – Jun 14

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Jul 10 – Jul 24

GarlicPlant cloves · Aug 21 – Sep 25

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 24) and first fall frost (Sep 4) 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 2a in Alaska

44 plants native to Alaska, recorded in Alaska, and rated by the USDA to survive −50 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 2a. 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 Clear, AK.

Soil in Clear, AK

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 99704 is Lupine — moderately decomposed plant material, well drained.

TextureModerately decomposed plant materialtop layer

pH5.6moderately acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter80%high

Hydrologic groupBwater soaks in moderately

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Lupine very fine sandy loam.

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 99704; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Clear, AK

Summer high73 °Faverage high, July

Winter low−17 °Faverage low, January

Hot days0days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights234nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days894base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day21 h 16 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day4 h 02 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation14.1 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: Clear Sky, AK (3 mi away); precipitation: Clear Sky, AK (3 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

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

Denali National Park, AK · 37 mi

997093b

Fairbanks, AK · 51 mi

Fairbanks, AK · 87 mi

Alaska planting zones →

Questions about 99704

What planting zone is ZIP code 99704?

ZIP code 99704 (Clear, AK) is in USDA hardiness zone 2a on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −50 to −45 °F (−45.6 to −42.8 °C).

When is the last frost in Clear, AK?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 99704 is May 24; after June 12 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Clear Sky station.

When is the first frost in Clear, AK?

The median first fall frost near 99704 is September 4, giving a median frost-free growing season of 100 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 99704?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 29 – Apr 12 and set transplants outside around May 31 – Jun 14, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 99704 get?

About 14.1 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Clear Sky station).

How hot do summers get in Clear, AK?

The average high peaks at 73 °F in July, with about 0 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 99704 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Lupine at the center of ZIP 99704: moderately decomposed plant material, well drained, pH about 5.6 (moderately acidic).

What kind of onions grow in Clear, AK?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 99704 is 21 h 16 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).