Last spring frost
May 14
Frost Dates for Parkdale, MI
First fall frost
Oct 12
Growing season
151 days
Hardiness zone
6b
In an average year around Parkdale, MI, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 14 and the first fall frost is about Oct 12, giving roughly a 151-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 27 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 13 | May 27 | May 9 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 31 | May 14 | Apr 27 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 21 | Apr 30 | Apr 15 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 4 | Apr 18 | Apr 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 13 | Jun 5 | Jun 3 | May 31 | May 27 | May 24 | May 21 | May 17 | May 9 |
| 32°F | May 31 | May 26 | May 22 | May 18 | May 14 | May 10 | May 5 | May 1 | Apr 27 |
| 28°F | May 21 | May 15 | May 8 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 15 |
| 24°F | May 4 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 |
| 20°F | Apr 20 | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 | Mar 19 |
| 16°F | Apr 7 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 25 | Mar 21 | Mar 18 | Mar 14 | Mar 7 |
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 13 | Sep 30 | Oct 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 27 | Oct 12 | Nov 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 11 | Nov 1 | Nov 14 |
| Severe (24°F) | Nov 1 | Nov 14 | Dec 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 13 | Sep 19 | Sep 24 | Sep 27 | Sep 30 | Oct 2 | Oct 5 | Oct 9 | Oct 15 |
| 32°F | Sep 27 | Oct 1 | Oct 5 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 16 | Oct 21 | Oct 26 | Nov 1 |
| 28°F | Oct 11 | Oct 17 | Oct 22 | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 14 |
| 24°F | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 |
| 20°F | Nov 9 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 27 | Dec 1 | Dec 3 | Dec 7 | Dec 14 |
| 16°F | Nov 21 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 12 | Dec 17 | Dec 22 | Dec 29 |
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: Manistee 3Se, Mi, about 4.4 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 670 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 Parkdale, MI?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Parkdale, MI is about May 14. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 27.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Parkdale, MI typically arrives about Oct 12. 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 14 on average, or Apr 27 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 151 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 49660 Planting calendar → Michigan frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026