Last spring frost
May 16
Frost Dates for Ellsworth, MI
First fall frost
Oct 6
Growing season
144 days
Hardiness zone
5b
In an average year around Ellsworth, MI, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 16 and the first fall frost is about Oct 6, giving roughly a 144-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until Apr 29 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 11 | May 29 | May 12 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 30 | May 16 | Apr 29 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 18 | May 2 | Apr 19 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 7 | Apr 21 | Apr 7 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 11 | Jun 6 | Jun 3 | Jun 1 | May 29 | May 26 | May 23 | May 19 | May 12 |
| 32°F | May 30 | May 25 | May 22 | May 19 | May 16 | May 12 | May 7 | May 4 | Apr 29 |
| 28°F | May 18 | May 13 | May 9 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 24 | Apr 19 |
| 24°F | May 7 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 7 |
| 20°F | Apr 24 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 |
| 16°F | Apr 14 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 28 | Mar 23 | Mar 19 |
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 9 | Sep 25 | Oct 9 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 22 | Oct 6 | Oct 23 |
| Hard (28°F) | Oct 4 | Oct 21 | Nov 6 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 19 | Nov 4 | Nov 21 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 9 | Sep 15 | Sep 20 | Sep 22 | Sep 25 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 9 |
| 32°F | Sep 22 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 10 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 23 |
| 28°F | Oct 4 | Oct 10 | Oct 14 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 6 |
| 24°F | Oct 19 | Oct 24 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 21 |
| 20°F | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 4 |
| 16°F | Nov 10 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 3 | Dec 6 | Dec 10 | Dec 19 |
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: E Jordan 2Nw, Mi, about 7.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 646 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 Ellsworth, MI?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Ellsworth, MI is about May 16. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until Apr 29.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Ellsworth, MI typically arrives about Oct 6. 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 16 on average, or Apr 29 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 144 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 49729 Planting calendar → Michigan frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026