Last spring frost
Apr 30
Frost Dates for Marcellus, MI
First fall frost
Oct 17
Growing season
170 days
Hardiness zone
6a
In an average year around Marcellus, MI, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 30 and the first fall frost is about Oct 17, giving roughly a 170-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 16 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 25 | May 10 | Apr 25 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 15 | Apr 30 | Apr 16 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 5 | Apr 19 | Apr 5 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 22 | Apr 6 | Mar 22 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 25 | May 20 | May 16 | May 13 | May 10 | May 7 | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 25 |
| 32°F | May 15 | May 9 | May 6 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 24 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 |
| 28°F | May 5 | Apr 30 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 5 |
| 24°F | Apr 22 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 22 |
| 20°F | Apr 14 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 18 | Mar 12 |
| 16°F | Apr 3 | Mar 30 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 10 | Mar 6 | Mar 1 |
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 23 | Oct 5 | Oct 17 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 1 | Oct 17 | Nov 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 15 | Oct 31 | Nov 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 28 | Nov 10 | Nov 28 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 23 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 5 | Oct 7 | Oct 10 | Oct 13 | Oct 17 |
| 32°F | Oct 1 | Oct 7 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Nov 1 |
| 28°F | Oct 15 | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 13 |
| 24°F | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 28 |
| 20°F | Nov 7 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 10 |
| 16°F | Nov 17 | Nov 23 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 7 | Dec 11 | Dec 16 | Dec 22 |
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: Three Rivers, Mi, about 10.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 810 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 Marcellus, MI?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Marcellus, MI is about Apr 30. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 16.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Marcellus, MI typically arrives about Oct 17. 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 30 on average, or Apr 16 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 170 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 49067 Planting calendar → Michigan frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026