Last spring frost
May 21
Frost Dates for Indian River, MI
First fall frost
Sep 27
Growing season
128 days
Hardiness zone
4b
In an average year around Indian River, MI, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 21 and the first fall frost is about Sep 27, giving roughly a 128-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 4 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 19 | Jun 2 | May 20 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 5 | May 21 | May 4 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 23 | May 7 | Apr 25 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 12 | Apr 27 | Apr 15 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 19 | Jun 12 | Jun 8 | Jun 5 | Jun 2 | May 31 | May 29 | May 25 | May 20 |
| 32°F | Jun 5 | May 31 | May 28 | May 24 | May 21 | May 17 | May 14 | May 9 | May 4 |
| 28°F | May 23 | May 18 | May 14 | May 10 | May 7 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 |
| 24°F | May 12 | May 6 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 |
| 20°F | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 17 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 |
| 16°F | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 8 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 28 |
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 29 | Sep 14 | Oct 1 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 11 | Sep 27 | Oct 10 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 22 | Oct 8 | Oct 25 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 4 | Oct 23 | Nov 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Aug 29 | Sep 3 | Sep 6 | Sep 11 | Sep 14 | Sep 18 | Sep 21 | Sep 25 | Oct 1 |
| 32°F | Sep 11 | Sep 16 | Sep 20 | Sep 23 | Sep 27 | Sep 30 | Oct 2 | Oct 6 | Oct 10 |
| 28°F | Sep 22 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 19 | Oct 25 |
| 24°F | Oct 4 | Oct 11 | Oct 15 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 4 | Nov 9 |
| 20°F | Oct 21 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 19 | Nov 23 |
| 16°F | Nov 2 | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 21 | Nov 24 | Nov 28 | Dec 1 | Dec 6 |
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: Pellston Ap #2, Mi, about 11 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 712 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 Indian River, MI?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Indian River, MI is about May 21. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 4.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Indian River, 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 21 on average, or May 4 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 128 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 49791 Planting calendar → Michigan frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026