Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Marquette Wfo, 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 18, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around June 21, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before June 2, 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 20 Apr 16 Apr 12 Apr 9 Apr 7 Apr 4 Apr 1 Mar 29 Mar 24
Last 20° May 3 Apr 28 Apr 24 Apr 21 Apr 18 Apr 16 Apr 13 Apr 9 Apr 4
Last 24° May 16 May 11 May 7 May 4 May 1 Apr 29 Apr 26 Apr 22 Apr 17
Last 28° Jun 2 May 27 May 23 May 19 May 15 May 12 May 8 May 3 Apr 27
Last 32° Jun 19 Jun 13 Jun 9 Jun 5 Jun 2 May 30 May 26 May 22 May 17
Last 36° Jul 18 Jul 9 Jul 2 Jun 26 Jun 21 Jun 15 Jun 9 Jun 2 May 24

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Marquette Wfo, 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 1, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By September 12, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By September 24, 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 24 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 31 Nov 5 Nov 9 Nov 12 Nov 15 Nov 18 Nov 21 Nov 25 Nov 30
First 20° Oct 17 Oct 23 Oct 27 Oct 30 Nov 3 Nov 6 Nov 10 Nov 14 Nov 19
First 24° Sep 26 Oct 3 Oct 8 Oct 13 Oct 17 Oct 21 Oct 25 Oct 30 Nov 6
First 28° Sep 14 Sep 20 Sep 24 Sep 27 Sep 30 Oct 3 Oct 7 Oct 11 Oct 16
First 32° Aug 26 Sep 1 Sep 5 Sep 9 Sep 12 Sep 16 Sep 19 Sep 24 Sep 30
First 36° Aug 11 Aug 18 Aug 24 Aug 29 Sep 2 Sep 7 Sep 11 Sep 17 Sep 25

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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