Last spring frost
May 25
Frost Dates for Lakes of the North, MI
First fall frost
Sep 26
Growing season
125 days
Hardiness zone
5a
In an average year around Lakes of the North, MI, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 25 and the first fall frost is about Sep 26, giving roughly a 125-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 8 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 29 | Jun 5 | May 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 8 | May 25 | May 8 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 27 | May 13 | Apr 28 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 18 | Apr 30 | Apr 16 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 29 | Jun 19 | Jun 13 | Jun 9 | Jun 5 | Jun 3 | May 31 | May 27 | May 22 |
| 32°F | Jun 8 | Jun 3 | May 31 | May 28 | May 25 | May 22 | May 19 | May 15 | May 8 |
| 28°F | May 27 | May 22 | May 19 | May 17 | May 13 | May 9 | May 5 | May 1 | Apr 28 |
| 24°F | May 18 | May 12 | May 7 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 28 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 16 |
| 20°F | May 4 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 5 |
| 16°F | Apr 24 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 |
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) | Aug 31 | Sep 16 | Sep 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 13 | Sep 26 | Oct 9 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 24 | Oct 7 | Oct 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 5 | Oct 20 | Nov 4 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Aug 31 | Sep 6 | Sep 10 | Sep 13 | Sep 16 | Sep 19 | Sep 21 | Sep 24 | Sep 28 |
| 32°F | Sep 13 | Sep 18 | Sep 21 | Sep 24 | Sep 26 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 9 |
| 28°F | Sep 24 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 16 | Oct 21 |
| 24°F | Oct 5 | Oct 10 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 4 |
| 20°F | Oct 20 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 17 |
| 16°F | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 10 | Nov 13 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 | 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: Gaylord, Mi, about 7.7 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,318 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 Lakes of the North, MI?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Lakes of the North, MI is about May 25. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 8.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Lakes of the North, MI typically arrives about Sep 26. 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 25 on average, or May 8 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 125 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 49730 Planting calendar → Michigan frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026