Last spring frost
Apr 29
Frost Dates for Shields, MI
First fall frost
Oct 21
Growing season
175 days
Hardiness zone
6a
In an average year around Shields, MI, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 29 and the first fall frost is about Oct 21, giving roughly a 175-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 14 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 23 | May 7 | Apr 26 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 13 | Apr 29 | Apr 14 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 1 | Apr 17 | Apr 2 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 19 | Apr 5 | Mar 22 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 23 | May 18 | May 14 | May 11 | May 7 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 26 |
| 32°F | May 13 | May 7 | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 14 |
| 28°F | May 1 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 |
| 24°F | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 22 |
| 20°F | Apr 9 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 |
| 16°F | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 20 | Mar 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 3 |
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 27 | Oct 9 | Oct 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 5 | Oct 21 | Nov 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 20 | Nov 3 | Nov 16 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 3 | Nov 14 | Nov 29 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 27 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 9 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 22 |
| 32°F | Oct 5 | Oct 11 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 |
| 28°F | Oct 20 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 16 |
| 24°F | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 29 |
| 20°F | Nov 9 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 11 |
| 16°F | Nov 18 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 3 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 | Dec 17 | Dec 23 |
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: Saginaw #3, Mi, about 6.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 600 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 Shields, MI?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Shields, MI is about Apr 29. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 14.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Shields, MI typically arrives about Oct 21. 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 Apr 29 on average, or Apr 14 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 175 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 48609 Planting calendar → Michigan frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026