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

Planting zone for 99766 — Point Hope, AK

ZIP code 99766 (Point Hope, North Slope County) is in USDA zone 3a: the coldest winter night averages −40 to −35 °F. The median last spring frost is June 10 and the first fall frost September 11.

Where ZIP 99766 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.

Zone3a−40 to −35 °F

Coldest night−40 to −37.2 °C

Last frostJun 10

First frostSep 11

2012 zone3a

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 3a means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Point Hope, 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 Point Hope, AK

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostJune 10median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsJune 23only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostSeptember 11median — 10% chance by Aug 26

Growing season92 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around June 1 and returns around September 24.

From the NOAA station Kivalina Airport, AK — 53 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 99766

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Apr 29 – May 13

SpinachSow outdoors · Apr 29 – May 20

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Apr 1 – Apr 15

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · May 20 – Jun 3

Onion setsPlant outdoors · May 13 – May 27

PotatoesPlant outdoors · May 20 – Jun 3

LettuceSow outdoors · May 13 – May 27

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · May 20 – Jun 3

TomatoesStart indoors · Apr 15 – Apr 29

TomatoesTransplant · Jun 17 – Jul 1

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Apr 1 – Apr 15

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Jun 24 – Jul 8

BeansSow outdoors · Jun 17 – Jul 1

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Jun 17 – Jul 1

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Jun 17 – Jul 1

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Jul 17 – Jul 31

GarlicPlant cloves · Aug 28 – Oct 2

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Jun 10) and first fall frost (Sep 11) 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 3a in Alaska

80 plants native to Alaska, recorded in Alaska, and rated by the USDA to survive −40 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 3a. 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 Point Hope, AK.

Soil in Point Hope, AK

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 99766 is E43-Arctic dwarf scrub-gravelly colluvial slopes — slightly decomposed plant material, well drained.

TextureSlightly decomposed plant materialtop layer

pH7.2neutral; 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: Western Brooks Range Mountains, Foothills, and Valleys-Boreal Alpine-Rugged Mountains, Calcareous.

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 99766; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Point Hope, AK

Summer high56 °Faverage high, July

Winter low−9 °Faverage low, January

Hot days0days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights244nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days175base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day24 h 00 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day0 h 00 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation9.7 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: Kivalina Airport, AK (53 mi away); precipitation: Kivalina Airport, AK (53 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

All 1 nearest ZIP codes share zone 3a.

997503a

Kivalina, AK · 54 mi

Alaska planting zones →

Questions about 99766

What planting zone is ZIP code 99766?

ZIP code 99766 (Point Hope, AK) is in USDA hardiness zone 3a on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −40 to −35 °F (−40 to −37.2 °C).

When is the last frost in Point Hope, AK?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 99766 is June 10; after June 23 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Kivalina Airport station.

When is the first frost in Point Hope, AK?

The median first fall frost near 99766 is September 11, giving a median frost-free growing season of 92 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 99766?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Apr 15 – Apr 29 and set transplants outside around Jun 17 – Jul 1, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 99766 get?

About 9.7 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Kivalina Airport station).

How hot do summers get in Point Hope, AK?

The average high peaks at 56 °F in July, with about 0 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 99766 have?

The USDA soil survey maps E43-Arctic dwarf scrub-gravelly colluvial slopes at the center of ZIP 99766: slightly decomposed plant material, well drained, pH about 7.2 (neutral).

What kind of onions grow in Point Hope, AK?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 99766 is 24 h 00 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).