Last spring frost
May 22
Frost Dates for Gaylord, MI
First fall frost
Sep 30
Growing season
130 days
Hardiness zone
5a
In an average year around Gaylord, MI, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 22 and the first fall frost is about Sep 30, giving roughly a 130-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 2 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 25 | Jun 4 | May 20 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 6 | May 22 | May 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 25 | May 6 | Apr 22 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 13 | Apr 25 | Apr 10 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 25 | Jun 16 | Jun 11 | Jun 7 | Jun 4 | Jun 1 | May 29 | May 24 | May 20 |
| 32°F | Jun 6 | May 31 | May 28 | May 25 | May 22 | May 18 | May 13 | May 8 | May 2 |
| 28°F | May 25 | May 19 | May 14 | May 10 | May 6 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 26 | Apr 22 |
| 24°F | May 13 | May 6 | May 2 | Apr 28 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 10 |
| 20°F | May 2 | Apr 26 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 |
| 16°F | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | 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%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Aug 19 | Sep 14 | Oct 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 10 | Sep 30 | Oct 15 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 26 | Oct 13 | Oct 30 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 10 | Oct 29 | Nov 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Aug 19 | Sep 1 | Sep 5 | Sep 10 | Sep 14 | Sep 18 | Sep 21 | Sep 26 | Oct 1 |
| 32°F | Sep 10 | Sep 19 | Sep 22 | Sep 26 | Sep 30 | Oct 2 | Oct 5 | Oct 9 | Oct 15 |
| 28°F | Sep 26 | Oct 2 | Oct 6 | Oct 10 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 25 | Oct 30 |
| 24°F | Oct 10 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 8 | Nov 13 |
| 20°F | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 | Nov 25 |
| 16°F | Nov 3 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 5 |
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 Otsego Co Ap, Mi, about 1.9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,335 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 Gaylord, MI?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Gaylord, MI is about May 22. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 2.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Gaylord, MI typically arrives about Sep 30. 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 22 on average, or May 2 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 130 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 49735 Planting calendar → Michigan frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026