Last spring frost
May 19
Frost Dates for Escanaba, MI
First fall frost
Oct 1
Growing season
133 days
Hardiness zone
5a
In an average year around Escanaba, MI, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 19 and the first fall frost is about Oct 1, giving roughly a 133-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 22 | Jun 2 | May 17 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 3 | May 19 | May 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 22 | May 5 | Apr 23 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 9 | Apr 24 | Apr 9 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 22 | Jun 15 | Jun 10 | Jun 5 | Jun 2 | May 31 | May 28 | May 24 | May 17 |
| 32°F | Jun 3 | May 30 | May 25 | May 22 | May 19 | May 15 | May 12 | May 8 | May 2 |
| 28°F | May 22 | May 17 | May 13 | May 8 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 |
| 24°F | May 9 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 24 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 14 | Apr 9 |
| 20°F | Apr 26 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 |
| 16°F | Apr 17 | Apr 12 | Apr 9 | Apr 6 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 21 |
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) | Sep 3 | Sep 19 | Oct 4 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 16 | Oct 1 | Oct 16 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 27 | Oct 14 | Oct 30 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 12 | Oct 31 | Nov 15 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 3 | Sep 8 | Sep 12 | Sep 16 | Sep 19 | Sep 23 | Sep 26 | Sep 30 | Oct 4 |
| 32°F | Sep 16 | Sep 21 | Sep 25 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 10 | Oct 16 |
| 28°F | Sep 27 | Oct 2 | Oct 7 | Oct 10 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 25 | Oct 30 |
| 24°F | Oct 12 | Oct 18 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 4 | Nov 9 | Nov 15 |
| 20°F | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 8 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 26 |
| 16°F | Nov 6 | Nov 10 | Nov 15 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 23 | Nov 26 | Nov 30 | Dec 4 |
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: Cornell 5Se, Mi, about 3.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 794 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 Escanaba, MI?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Escanaba, MI is about May 19. 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 Escanaba, MI typically arrives about Oct 1. 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 19 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 133 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 49829 Planting calendar → Michigan frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026