Last spring frost
May 30
Frost Dates for Chatham, MI
First fall frost
Sep 27
Growing season
119 days
Hardiness zone
5a
In an average year around Chatham, MI, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 30 and the first fall frost is about Sep 27, giving roughly a 119-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 14 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%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 21 | May 30 | May 14 |
| Hard (28°F) | Jun 3 | May 16 | Apr 29 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 19 | May 3 | Apr 19 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32°F | Jun 21 | Jun 11 | Jun 5 | Jun 1 | May 30 | May 27 | May 23 | May 20 | May 14 |
| 28°F | Jun 3 | May 28 | May 23 | May 20 | May 16 | May 12 | May 8 | May 3 | Apr 29 |
| 24°F | May 19 | May 13 | May 10 | May 6 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 |
| 20°F | May 7 | May 1 | Apr 28 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 12 | Apr 7 |
| 16°F | Apr 27 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 3 | Mar 30 |
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%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 6 | Sep 27 | Oct 11 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 20 | Oct 9 | Oct 27 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 5 | Oct 22 | Nov 7 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32°F | Sep 6 | Sep 13 | Sep 18 | Sep 23 | Sep 27 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 11 |
| 28°F | Sep 20 | Sep 28 | Oct 2 | Oct 6 | Oct 9 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 20 | Oct 27 |
| 24°F | Oct 5 | Oct 11 | Oct 15 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 27 | Oct 30 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 |
| 20°F | Oct 21 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 21 |
| 16°F | Nov 3 | Nov 6 | Nov 9 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 21 | 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: Chatham Exp Farm 2, Mi, about 2.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 870 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 Chatham, MI?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Chatham, MI is about May 30. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 14.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Chatham, 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 30 on average, or May 14 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 119 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 49825 Planting calendar → Michigan frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026