Last spring frost
May 30
Frost Dates for Houghton Lake, MI
First fall frost
Sep 15
Growing season
106 days
Hardiness zone
5a
In an average year around Houghton Lake, MI, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 30 and the first fall frost is about Sep 15, giving roughly a 106-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 12 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%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 19 | May 30 | May 12 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 31 | May 16 | Apr 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 20 | Apr 30 | Apr 14 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32°F | Jun 19 | Jun 9 | Jun 5 | Jun 1 | May 30 | May 27 | May 23 | May 19 | May 12 |
| 28°F | May 31 | May 27 | May 22 | May 19 | May 16 | May 11 | May 7 | May 3 | Apr 28 |
| 24°F | May 20 | May 13 | May 7 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 14 |
| 20°F | May 6 | Apr 30 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 3 |
| 16°F | Apr 20 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 23 |
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%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freeze (32°F) | Aug 26 | Sep 15 | Oct 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 13 | Sep 30 | Oct 17 |
| Severe (24°F) | Sep 26 | Oct 13 | Nov 1 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32°F | Aug 26 | Sep 2 | Sep 7 | Sep 11 | Sep 15 | Sep 19 | Sep 22 | Sep 26 | Oct 1 |
| 28°F | Sep 13 | Sep 19 | Sep 23 | Sep 27 | Sep 30 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 11 | Oct 17 |
| 24°F | Sep 26 | Oct 1 | Oct 5 | Oct 10 | Oct 13 | Oct 18 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Nov 1 |
| 20°F | Oct 8 | Oct 15 | Oct 22 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 15 |
| 16°F | Oct 29 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 | Nov 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: Houghton Lake 6 Wsw, Mi, about 3 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,135 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 Houghton Lake, MI?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Houghton Lake, MI is about May 30. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 12.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Houghton Lake, MI typically arrives about Sep 15. 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 30 on average, or May 12 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 106 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 49667 Planting calendar → Michigan frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026