Last spring frost
May 2
Frost Dates for Minden City, MI
First fall frost
Oct 24
Growing season
173 days
Hardiness zone
6a
In an average year around Minden City, MI, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 2 and the first fall frost is about Oct 24, giving roughly a 173-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 19 before setting out tender plants.
Last spring frost
Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | May 28 | May 15 | May 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 17 | May 2 | Apr 19 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 4 | Apr 20 | Apr 7 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 22 | Apr 8 | Mar 24 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 28 | May 24 | May 21 | May 18 | May 15 | May 11 | May 8 | May 5 | May 1 |
| 32°F | May 17 | May 11 | May 8 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 24 | Apr 19 |
| 28°F | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 |
| 24°F | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 24 |
| 20°F | Apr 12 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 |
| 16°F | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 20 | Mar 17 | Mar 15 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 4 |
First fall frost
Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Sep 29 | Oct 11 | Oct 24 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 7 | Oct 24 | Nov 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 21 | Nov 3 | Nov 18 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 31 | Nov 16 | Dec 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 19 | Oct 24 |
| 32°F | Oct 7 | Oct 14 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 6 |
| 28°F | Oct 21 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 |
| 24°F | Oct 31 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 |
| 20°F | Nov 8 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 14 |
| 16°F | Nov 21 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 10 | Dec 15 | Dec 19 | Dec 26 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
Where this data comes from
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Harbor Beach 1 Sse, Mi, about 12.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 595 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
How we calculate these dates
Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Minden City, MI?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Minden City, MI is about May 2. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 19.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Minden City, MI typically arrives about Oct 24. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.
When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?
Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around May 2 on average, or Apr 19 to be safe most years.
How long is the growing season here?
The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 173 days in a typical year.
Are these dates a forecast for this year?
No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.
Local weather for 48456 Planting calendar → Michigan frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026