Last spring frost
May 19
Frost Dates for Prudenville, MI
First fall frost
Sep 23
Growing season
125 days
Hardiness zone
5a
In an average year around Prudenville, MI, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 19 and the first fall frost is about Sep 23, giving roughly a 125-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 30 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 30 | Jun 3 | May 20 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 3 | May 19 | Apr 30 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 24 | May 4 | Apr 17 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 9 | Apr 22 | Apr 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 30 | Jun 18 | Jun 11 | Jun 7 | Jun 3 | May 31 | May 28 | May 25 | May 20 |
| 32°F | Jun 3 | May 30 | May 27 | May 23 | May 19 | May 16 | May 11 | May 6 | Apr 30 |
| 28°F | May 24 | May 18 | May 13 | May 7 | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 17 |
| 24°F | May 9 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 6 |
| 20°F | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 |
| 16°F | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 19 |
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) | Aug 20 | Sep 8 | Sep 25 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 6 | Sep 23 | Oct 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 21 | Oct 5 | Oct 25 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 2 | Oct 24 | Nov 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Aug 20 | Aug 27 | Sep 1 | Sep 5 | Sep 8 | Sep 11 | Sep 15 | Sep 19 | Sep 25 |
| 32°F | Sep 6 | Sep 13 | Sep 17 | Sep 20 | Sep 23 | Sep 26 | Sep 29 | Oct 3 | Oct 7 |
| 28°F | Sep 21 | Sep 26 | Sep 30 | Oct 2 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 14 | Oct 19 | Oct 25 |
| 24°F | Oct 2 | Oct 8 | Oct 15 | Oct 19 | Oct 24 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 9 |
| 20°F | Oct 22 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 25 |
| 16°F | Nov 4 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 8 |
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: Houghton Lk Roscommon Ap, Mi, about 7.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,151 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 Prudenville, MI?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Prudenville, MI is about May 19. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 30.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Prudenville, MI typically arrives about Sep 23. 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 19 on average, or Apr 30 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 125 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 48651 Planting calendar → Michigan frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026