Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Dowagiac, 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 June 8, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around May 22, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before May 11, 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° Apr 6 Mar 31 Mar 28 Mar 24 Mar 21 Mar 18 Mar 15 Mar 11 Mar 6
Last 20° Apr 17 Apr 12 Apr 8 Apr 5 Apr 2 Mar 30 Mar 27 Mar 23 Mar 18
Last 24° Apr 23 Apr 19 Apr 16 Apr 13 Apr 11 Apr 8 Apr 5 Apr 2 Mar 29
Last 28° May 11 May 6 May 2 Apr 29 Apr 26 Apr 23 Apr 20 Apr 16 Apr 11
Last 32° May 31 May 24 May 19 May 14 May 10 May 6 May 1 Apr 26 Apr 19
Last 36° Jun 8 Jun 2 May 29 May 26 May 22 May 19 May 16 May 11 May 6

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Dowagiac, 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 September 26, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By October 5, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By October 14, 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 October 14 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° Nov 13 Nov 19 Nov 22 Nov 26 Nov 29 Dec 2 Dec 5 Dec 9 Dec 14
First 20° Oct 28 Nov 5 Nov 10 Nov 14 Nov 18 Nov 22 Nov 27 Dec 2 Dec 9
First 24° Oct 15 Oct 22 Oct 27 Oct 31 Nov 4 Nov 8 Nov 13 Nov 18 Nov 25
First 28° Oct 3 Oct 9 Oct 13 Oct 17 Oct 20 Oct 24 Oct 27 Nov 1 Nov 7
First 32° Sep 22 Sep 26 Sep 30 Oct 3 Oct 5 Oct 8 Oct 11 Oct 14 Oct 19
First 36° Sep 12 Sep 16 Sep 19 Sep 22 Sep 24 Sep 26 Sep 29 Oct 2 Oct 6

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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