Last spring frost
May 15
Frost Dates for West Branch, MI
First fall frost
Oct 4
Growing season
143 days
Hardiness zone
5a
In an average year around West Branch, MI, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 15 and the first fall frost is about Oct 4, giving roughly a 143-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 29 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 8 | May 27 | May 11 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 29 | May 15 | Apr 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 17 | May 1 | Apr 19 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 5 | Apr 20 | Apr 7 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 8 | Jun 4 | Jun 1 | May 30 | May 27 | May 24 | May 21 | May 17 | May 11 |
| 32°F | May 29 | May 24 | May 20 | May 17 | May 15 | May 11 | May 7 | May 3 | Apr 29 |
| 28°F | May 17 | May 13 | May 8 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 |
| 24°F | May 5 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 |
| 20°F | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 26 |
| 16°F | Apr 13 | Apr 7 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 16 |
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 11 | Sep 24 | Oct 5 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 21 | Oct 4 | Oct 17 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 1 | Oct 17 | Oct 31 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 16 | Oct 31 | Nov 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 11 | Sep 15 | Sep 19 | Sep 22 | Sep 24 | Sep 26 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 5 |
| 32°F | Sep 21 | Sep 26 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 17 |
| 28°F | Oct 1 | Oct 6 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 31 |
| 24°F | Oct 16 | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 11 |
| 20°F | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 |
| 16°F | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 1 | Dec 7 |
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: W Branch 3Se, Mi, about 4.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 885 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 West Branch, MI?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around West Branch, MI is about May 15. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 29.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around West Branch, MI typically arrives about Oct 4. 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 15 on average, or Apr 29 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 143 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 48661 Planting calendar → Michigan frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026