Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Kalkaska, 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 July 8, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
- Around June 14, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
- Before May 30, 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.
| Temperature | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Last 16° | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 26 |
| Last 20° | Apr 28 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 19 | Apr 17 | Apr 15 | Apr 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 6 |
| Last 24° | May 11 | May 7 | May 4 | May 2 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 |
| Last 28° | May 26 | May 21 | May 17 | May 14 | May 11 | May 8 | May 5 | May 1 | Apr 26 |
| Last 32° | Jun 15 | Jun 10 | Jun 5 | Jun 2 | May 30 | May 26 | May 23 | May 19 | May 13 |
| Last 36° | Jul 8 | Jun 30 | Jun 24 | Jun 19 | Jun 14 | Jun 10 | Jun 5 | May 30 | May 22 |
ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall
As summer ends in Kalkaska, 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:
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.
| Temperature | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First 16° | Nov 2 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 15 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 25 | Nov 29 | Dec 5 |
| First 20° | Oct 19 | Oct 26 | Oct 31 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 17 | Nov 23 | Nov 30 |
| First 24° | Oct 3 | Oct 10 | Oct 15 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 5 | Nov 12 |
| First 28° | Sep 15 | Sep 22 | Sep 26 | Oct 1 | Oct 5 | Oct 9 | Oct 13 | Oct 18 | Oct 25 |
| First 32° | Aug 28 | Sep 3 | Sep 8 | Sep 12 | Sep 15 | Sep 19 | Sep 23 | Sep 27 | Oct 3 |
| First 36° | Aug 9 | Aug 17 | Aug 23 | Aug 27 | Sep 1 | Sep 5 | Sep 10 | Sep 15 | Sep 23 |
📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations
- Charlotte, MI 22.7 mi
- Grayling, MI 27.7 mi
- East Jordan, MI 28.4 mi
- Lake City Exp Farm, MI 31.1 mi
- Boyne Falls, MI 31.7 mi
- Houghton Lake, MI 32.9 mi
- Gaylord, MI 34.7 mi
- Houghton Roscommon, MI 39.2 mi
- Cadillac, MI 39.3 mi
- Petoskey, MI 44.2 mi
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Data is provided by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.