Last spring frost
May 23
Frost Dates for Grayling, MI
First fall frost
Sep 27
Growing season
124 days
Hardiness zone
5a
In an average year around Grayling, MI, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 23 and the first fall frost is about Sep 27, giving roughly a 124-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 6 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 24 | Jun 4 | May 21 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 7 | May 23 | May 6 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 26 | May 10 | Apr 25 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 16 | Apr 28 | Apr 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 24 | Jun 16 | Jun 11 | Jun 7 | Jun 4 | Jun 2 | May 30 | May 26 | May 21 |
| 32°F | Jun 7 | Jun 1 | May 30 | May 26 | May 23 | May 21 | May 17 | May 13 | May 6 |
| 28°F | May 26 | May 21 | May 17 | May 13 | May 10 | May 7 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 25 |
| 24°F | May 16 | May 9 | May 5 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 18 | Apr 13 |
| 20°F | May 3 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 |
| 16°F | Apr 21 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 25 |
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 28 | Sep 14 | Sep 29 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 11 | Sep 27 | Oct 10 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 25 | Oct 9 | Oct 26 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 6 | Oct 24 | Nov 6 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Aug 28 | Sep 2 | Sep 6 | Sep 10 | Sep 14 | Sep 17 | Sep 20 | Sep 24 | Sep 29 |
| 32°F | Sep 11 | Sep 16 | Sep 21 | Sep 24 | Sep 27 | Sep 30 | Oct 2 | Oct 6 | Oct 10 |
| 28°F | Sep 25 | Sep 30 | Oct 2 | Oct 5 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 26 |
| 24°F | Oct 6 | Oct 14 | Oct 18 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 6 |
| 20°F | Oct 22 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 15 | Nov 20 |
| 16°F | Nov 1 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 25 | Dec 1 |
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: Grayling, Mi, about 5.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,137 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 Grayling, MI?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Grayling, MI is about May 23. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 6.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Grayling, MI typically arrives about Sep 27. 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 23 on average, or May 6 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 124 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 49738 Planting calendar → Michigan frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026