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

Planting zone for 99771 — Shaktoolik, AK

ZIP code 99771 (Shaktoolik, Nome (CA) County) is in USDA zone 3b: the coldest winter night averages −35 to −30 °F. The median last spring frost is May 25 and the first fall frost September 3.

Where ZIP 99771 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.

Zone3b−35 to −30 °F

Coldest night−37.2 to −34.4 °C

Last frostMay 25

First frostSep 3

2012 zone3a

Was 3a 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 3b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Shaktoolik, 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 Shaktoolik, AK

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMay 25median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsJune 11only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostSeptember 3median — 10% chance by Aug 18

Growing season101 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 12 and returns around September 17.

From the NOAA station Kaltag Airport, AK — 73 miles away, elevation 180 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 99771

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Apr 13 – Apr 27

SpinachSow outdoors · Apr 13 – May 4

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 16 – Mar 30

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · May 4 – May 18

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 27 – May 11

PotatoesPlant outdoors · May 4 – May 18

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 27 – May 11

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · May 4 – May 18

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 30 – Apr 13

TomatoesTransplant · Jun 1 – Jun 15

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 16 – Mar 30

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Jun 8 – Jun 22

BeansSow outdoors · Jun 1 – Jun 15

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Jun 1 – Jun 15

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Jun 1 – Jun 15

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Jul 9 – Jul 23

GarlicPlant cloves · Aug 20 – Sep 24

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 25) and first fall frost (Sep 3) 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 3b in Alaska

172 plants native to Alaska, recorded in Alaska, and rated by the USDA to survive −35 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 3b. 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 Shaktoolik, AK.

Soil in Shaktoolik, AK

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 99771 is E40-maritime tussock-scrub-silty frozen high plains — peat, very poorly drained.

TexturePeattop layer

pH3.9strongly acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageVery poorly drainedconsider raised beds

Organic matter80%high

Hydrologic groupB/Dmoderate when drained; wet otherwise

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Nulato Hills-Southern Seward Peninsula Highlands-Maritime Lowland-Coastal Plains.

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 99771; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Shaktoolik, AK

Summer high69 °Faverage high, June

Winter low−12 °Faverage low, January

Hot days0days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights234nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days747base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day21 h 20 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day4 h 00 mindaylight on December 21

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

Average high and low, by month

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Kaltag Airport, AK (73 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

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

996843b

Unalakleet, AK · 36 mi

997533b

Koyuk, AK · 40 mi

996593b

Saint Michael, AK · 68 mi

996713b

Stebbins, AK · 69 mi

995903a

Grayling, AK · 106 mi

997272b

Buckland, AK · 112 mi

Alaska planting zones →

Questions about 99771

What planting zone is ZIP code 99771?

ZIP code 99771 (Shaktoolik, AK) is in USDA hardiness zone 3b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −35 to −30 °F (−37.2 to −34.4 °C).

When is the last frost in Shaktoolik, AK?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 99771 is May 25; after June 11 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Kaltag Airport station.

When is the first frost in Shaktoolik, AK?

The median first fall frost near 99771 is September 3, giving a median frost-free growing season of 101 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 99771?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 30 – Apr 13 and set transplants outside around Jun 1 – Jun 15, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How hot do summers get in Shaktoolik, AK?

The average high peaks at 69 °F in June, with about 0 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 99771 have?

The USDA soil survey maps E40-maritime tussock-scrub-silty frozen high plains at the center of ZIP 99771: peat, very poorly drained, pH about 3.9 (strongly acidic).

What kind of onions grow in Shaktoolik, AK?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 99771 is 21 h 20 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).

Did the zone for 99771 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 99771 in zone 3a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 3b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.