Last spring frost
May 15
Frost Dates for Tustin, MI
First fall frost
Oct 1
Growing season
139 days
Hardiness zone
5a
In an average year around Tustin, MI, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 15 and the first fall frost is about Oct 1, giving roughly a 139-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 30 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 15 | May 29 | May 12 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 30 | May 15 | Apr 30 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 19 | May 3 | Apr 22 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 6 | Apr 24 | Apr 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 15 | Jun 8 | Jun 4 | Jun 1 | May 29 | May 26 | May 23 | May 19 | May 12 |
| 32°F | May 30 | May 25 | May 22 | May 18 | May 15 | May 11 | May 7 | May 4 | Apr 30 |
| 28°F | May 19 | May 13 | May 9 | May 5 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 |
| 24°F | May 6 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 24 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 11 |
| 20°F | Apr 26 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Apr 1 |
| 16°F | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 22 |
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 4 | Sep 20 | Oct 4 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 18 | Oct 1 | Oct 16 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 28 | Oct 13 | Oct 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 11 | Oct 27 | Nov 11 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 4 | Sep 10 | Sep 15 | Sep 17 | Sep 20 | Sep 24 | Sep 27 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 |
| 32°F | Sep 18 | Sep 22 | Sep 26 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 10 | Oct 16 |
| 28°F | Sep 28 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 9 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 28 |
| 24°F | Oct 11 | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 11 |
| 20°F | Oct 26 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 19 | Nov 25 |
| 16°F | Nov 5 | Nov 10 | Nov 14 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 26 | Nov 29 | Dec 2 | Dec 10 |
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: Cadillac 9&10 News, Mi, about 6.1 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,363 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 Tustin, MI?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Tustin, MI is about May 15. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 30.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Tustin, MI typically arrives about Oct 1. 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 15 on average, or Apr 30 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 139 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 49688 Planting calendar → Michigan frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026