Last spring frost
May 5
Frost Dates for Standish, MI
First fall frost
Oct 10
Growing season
156 days
Hardiness zone
5b
In an average year around Standish, MI, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 5 and the first fall frost is about Oct 10, giving roughly a 156-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 21 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) | Jun 1 | May 18 | May 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 23 | May 5 | Apr 21 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 12 | Apr 24 | Apr 9 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 28 | Apr 11 | Mar 30 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 1 | May 29 | May 25 | May 21 | May 18 | May 15 | May 11 | May 7 | May 1 |
| 32°F | May 23 | May 17 | May 13 | May 8 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 21 |
| 28°F | May 12 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 14 | Apr 9 |
| 24°F | Apr 28 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 |
| 20°F | Apr 16 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 |
| 16°F | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 19 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 |
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 15 | Sep 29 | Oct 11 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 26 | Oct 10 | Oct 27 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 7 | Oct 25 | Nov 9 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 24 | Nov 7 | Nov 23 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 15 | Sep 20 | Sep 24 | Sep 27 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 6 | Oct 11 |
| 32°F | Sep 26 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 6 | Oct 10 | Oct 14 | Oct 16 | Oct 21 | Oct 27 |
| 28°F | Oct 7 | Oct 15 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 9 |
| 24°F | Oct 24 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 |
| 20°F | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 26 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 |
| 16°F | Nov 13 | Nov 19 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 13 | Dec 18 |
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: Standish 4Ne, Mi, about 13.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 615 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 Standish, MI?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Standish, MI is about May 5. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 21.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Standish, MI typically arrives about Oct 10. 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 5 on average, or Apr 21 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 156 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 48613 Planting calendar → Michigan frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026