Last spring frost
May 13
Frost Dates for Central Lake, MI
First fall frost
Oct 19
Growing season
158 days
Hardiness zone
6a
In an average year around Central Lake, MI, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 13 and the first fall frost is about Oct 19, giving roughly a 158-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 28 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 26 | May 7 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 29 | May 13 | Apr 28 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 19 | Apr 30 | Apr 16 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 5 | Apr 19 | Apr 5 |
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 29 | May 26 | May 24 | May 20 | May 16 | May 7 |
| 32°F | May 29 | May 25 | May 20 | May 17 | May 13 | May 9 | May 5 | Apr 30 | Apr 28 |
| 28°F | May 19 | May 12 | May 8 | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 28 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 16 |
| 24°F | May 5 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 |
| 20°F | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 28 | Mar 22 |
| 16°F | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 29 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 |
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 21 | Oct 4 | Oct 18 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Oct 1 | Oct 19 | Nov 5 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 18 | Nov 4 | Nov 22 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 16 | Dec 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 21 | Sep 25 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 18 |
| 32°F | Oct 1 | Oct 7 | Oct 12 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 5 |
| 28°F | Oct 18 | Oct 25 | Oct 30 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 22 |
| 24°F | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 |
| 20°F | Nov 12 | Nov 17 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 6 | Dec 11 | Dec 19 |
| 16°F | Nov 21 | Nov 28 | Dec 2 | Dec 5 | Dec 10 | Dec 15 | Dec 20 | Dec 24 | Dec 31 |
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: Old Mission 3Ssw, Mi, about 10.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 656 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 Central Lake, MI?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Central Lake, MI is about May 13. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 28.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Central Lake, MI typically arrives about Oct 19. 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 13 on average, or Apr 28 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 158 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 49648 Planting calendar → Michigan frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026