Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Kenton, 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 26, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around July 1, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before June 15, 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 29 Apr 24 Apr 21 Apr 18 Apr 16 Apr 13 Apr 10 Apr 7 Apr 2
Last 20° May 18 May 12 May 8 May 5 May 1 Apr 28 Apr 25 Apr 21 Apr 15
Last 24° May 30 May 24 May 19 May 15 May 12 May 8 May 4 Apr 30 Apr 23
Last 28° Jun 18 Jun 12 Jun 8 Jun 4 Jun 1 May 29 May 25 May 21 May 16
Last 32° Jul 1 Jun 26 Jun 21 Jun 18 Jun 15 Jun 11 Jun 8 Jun 4 May 29
Last 36° Jul 26 Jul 18 Jul 12 Jul 6 Jul 1 Jun 27 Jun 21 Jun 15 Jun 7

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Kenton, 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 23, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By September 5, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By September 18, 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 18 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 14 Oct 20 Oct 24 Oct 28 Nov 1 Nov 4 Nov 8 Nov 12 Nov 19
First 20° Oct 6 Oct 12 Oct 16 Oct 20 Oct 23 Oct 27 Oct 31 Nov 4 Nov 10
First 24° Sep 25 Sep 30 Oct 4 Oct 7 Oct 10 Oct 14 Oct 17 Oct 21 Oct 26
First 28° Sep 2 Sep 8 Sep 13 Sep 17 Sep 20 Sep 23 Sep 27 Oct 2 Oct 8
First 32° Aug 17 Aug 23 Aug 28 Sep 1 Sep 5 Sep 9 Sep 13 Sep 18 Sep 25
First 36° Aug 2 Aug 8 Aug 12 Aug 16 Aug 19 Aug 22 Aug 26 Aug 30 Sep 5

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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