Soil Temperature in Alaska
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Alaska is 43°F, based on 3 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 36°F to 53°F. Last updated July 2, 2026.
Current Planting Conditions
Soil across Alaska averages 43°F at 2 inches, inside the cool-season band, but summer heat is ahead. Seedlings started now would establish during the hottest weeks of the year, so hold cool-season seeding for the fall window. Warm-season lawns are in their active season.
Grass Seed Germination in Alaska
Grass seed germination
Grass seed germination temperatures across Alaska. Soil warmth varies by location, so check a city page for the live reading and what germinates there now.
| Grass species | Germination optimum | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky bluegrass | 59–86°F | 14-30 |
| Tall fescue | 68–86°F | 7-12 |
| Perennial ryegrass | 68–86°F | 5-10 |
| Fine fescue | 59–77°F | 7-14 |
| Bermudagrass | 75–85°F | 10-30 |
Monitoring Stations in Alaska (3)
For root-zone timing (fertilizer, aeration, weed control), see the 4-inch soil temperature for Alaska. For accumulated-heat timing, see growing degree days for Alaska. See the Alaska soil temperature map for the full station view.
| Station | 2" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Moose Inc (Kenai Peninsula) | 41°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Kanuti Lake (Yukon-Koyukuk) | 36°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Kenai 29 ENE | 53°F | 2026-07-02 |
Cities in Alaska (8)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | 99501 | 53°F |
| Fairbanks | 99701 | 53°F* |
| Jber | 99505 | 46°F* |
| Juneau | 99801 | 50°F* |
| Ketchikan | 99901 | 51°F* |
| Kodiak | 99615 | 39°F* |
| Tok | 99779 | 47°F* |
| Wasilla | 99623 | 53°F |
Modeled estimate from Open-Meteo where no monitoring station is within 75 miles; all other readings are measured at USDA and NOAA stations.
Lawn Care Timing Guides for Alaska
- When to Apply Broadleaf Weed Killer on Cool-Season Lawns in Spring
Spring broadleaf timing for Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, perennial ryegrass, and the cool-season blends.
- How to Identify and Kill Nutsedge in Your Lawn
Nutsedge is a sedge, not a grass, which is why standard weed control fails.
- How to Apply Liquid Pre-Emergent Herbicide
Learn how to mix, calibrate, and spray liquid pre-emergent herbicide.
- Grass Seed Germination Soil Temperature by Species
The soil temperature each grass species needs to germinate, from 15+ university extensions: tall fescue and perennial ryegrass 68-86°F, Kentucky bluegrass 59-86°F, fine fescue 59-77°F, cool-season 50°F trigger, warm-season 65°F.
Soil Temperature FAQ for Alaska
What is the current soil temperature in Alaska?
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Alaska is 43°F, based on 3 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 36°F to 53°F depending on location and elevation.
When should I apply pre-emergent in Alaska?
Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil at 2 inches reaches 55°F for several consecutive days. Timing varies across Alaska, so check your city's page for station-specific readings and the pre-emergent timing recommendation.
When can I plant grass seed in Alaska?
Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass) can be seeded when soil holds between 50 and 65°F. Warm-season grasses (bermuda, zoysia) need soil above 65°F. Timing varies by location, so check your city's planting window for the dates specific to your area.