Last spring frost
Apr 28
Frost Dates for Mattawan, MI
First fall frost
Oct 18
Growing season
172 days
Hardiness zone
6a
In an average year around Mattawan, MI, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Apr 28 and the first fall frost is about Oct 18, giving roughly a 172-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 13 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 24 | May 8 | Apr 24 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 13 | Apr 28 | Apr 13 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 3 | Apr 17 | Apr 3 |
| Severe (24°F) | Apr 20 | Apr 5 | Mar 23 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 24 | May 18 | May 15 | May 11 | May 8 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 24 |
| 32°F | May 13 | May 8 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 13 |
| 28°F | May 3 | Apr 28 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 3 |
| 24°F | Apr 20 | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 5 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 |
| 20°F | Apr 9 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 27 | Mar 24 | Mar 20 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 |
| 16°F | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 24 | Mar 21 | 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 22 | Oct 6 | Oct 19 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 2 | Oct 18 | Nov 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 16 | Nov 1 | Nov 14 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 13 | Nov 30 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 22 | Sep 27 | Sep 30 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 9 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 19 |
| 32°F | Oct 2 | Oct 8 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Nov 1 |
| 28°F | Oct 16 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 14 |
| 24°F | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 30 |
| 20°F | Nov 8 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 5 | Dec 11 |
| 16°F | Nov 20 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 6 | Dec 9 | Dec 14 | Dec 19 | Dec 25 |
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: Kalamazoo Battle Ck Intl Ap, Mi, about 11.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 868 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 Mattawan, MI?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Mattawan, MI is about Apr 28. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 13.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Mattawan, MI typically arrives about Oct 18. 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 28 on average, or Apr 13 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 172 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 49071 Planting calendar → Michigan frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026