Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Champion Van Riper Pk, MI

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the spring

As spring unfolds, the risk of frost gradually decreases each day until your tender plants are finally safe. The probabilities shown in the chart help you make smart decisions about when to plant.

While frost typically forms at 32°F, tender plants can be damaged even when temperatures are slightly higher. Air temperatures are often measured several feet above the ground, but temperatures at plant level can be several degrees colder. Protected areas like porches help by blocking radiational cooling. Given these variables, we consider 36°F the "caution zone" for frost-sensitive plants.

Key dates for your spring planting:

  • By August 1, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around July 9, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before June 24, there's still an 80% risk of frost — too early for tomatoes and other tender plants unless you're prepared to protect them

If the 10-day forecast shows no temperatures below 40°F, you might safely plant earlier than the above dates suggest. Many gardeners watch for this weather window to get a head start on the growing season.

In the Spring
Temperature 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
Last 16° May 6 May 2 Apr 28 Apr 26 Apr 23 Apr 21 Apr 18 Apr 15 Apr 10
Last 20° May 20 May 16 May 13 May 10 May 7 May 5 May 2 Apr 29 Apr 25
Last 24° Jun 9 Jun 4 May 31 May 27 May 24 May 21 May 17 May 13 May 7
Last 28° Jun 25 Jun 19 Jun 14 Jun 11 Jun 7 Jun 3 May 30 May 26 May 19
Last 32° Jul 20 Jul 11 Jul 5 Jun 29 Jun 24 Jun 19 Jun 14 Jun 7 May 29
Last 36° Aug 1 Jul 24 Jul 18 Jul 14 Jul 9 Jul 5 Jun 30 Jun 24 Jun 16

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Champion Van Riper Pk, MI, nighttime temperatures begin to drop, and your risk of frost increases with each passing day. Knowing when to expect frost helps you harvest sensitive crops and extend your growing season with protection methods.

The chart below shows the probability of experiencing specific temperatures on various dates. Here's what this means for your garden:

1
Early warning: Around August 16, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By August 28, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By September 9, there's an 80% chance of seeing 32°F — most tender plants will be damaged without protection
4
Another perspective: You have only a 1 in 5 chance of making it past September 9 without a freezing night

These probabilities help you time your end-of-season harvests and know when to apply protective measures like row covers, cloches, or cold frames to extend your harvest.

In the Fall
Temperature 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
First 16° Oct 11 Oct 18 Oct 23 Oct 27 Oct 30 Nov 3 Nov 7 Nov 12 Nov 18
First 20° Sep 29 Oct 4 Oct 8 Oct 11 Oct 14 Oct 17 Oct 20 Oct 24 Oct 29
First 24° Sep 14 Sep 20 Sep 24 Sep 28 Oct 1 Oct 4 Oct 8 Oct 12 Oct 17
First 28° Aug 28 Sep 2 Sep 6 Sep 10 Sep 13 Sep 16 Sep 19 Sep 23 Sep 29
First 32° Aug 10 Aug 16 Aug 21 Aug 24 Aug 28 Sep 1 Sep 5 Sep 9 Sep 16
First 36° Aug 1 Aug 7 Aug 11 Aug 14 Aug 17 Aug 20 Aug 24 Aug 27 Sep 2

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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Data is provided by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.