Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Muskegon Co, 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 6, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around May 18, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before May 6, 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 2 Mar 29 Mar 27 Mar 24 Mar 22 Mar 20 Mar 17 Mar 14 Mar 10
Last 20° Apr 16 Apr 12 Apr 8 Apr 5 Apr 2 Mar 30 Mar 27 Mar 24 Mar 19
Last 24° Apr 20 Apr 17 Apr 14 Apr 12 Apr 10 Apr 8 Apr 6 Apr 3 Mar 31
Last 28° May 8 May 4 Apr 30 Apr 27 Apr 24 Apr 21 Apr 18 Apr 15 Apr 10
Last 32° May 26 May 19 May 14 May 10 May 6 May 2 Apr 27 Apr 22 Apr 15
Last 36° Jun 6 May 31 May 26 May 22 May 18 May 14 May 10 May 6 Apr 29

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Muskegon Co, 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 30, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By October 9, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By October 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 October 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° Nov 19 Nov 25 Nov 30 Dec 3 Dec 7 Dec 10 Dec 14 Dec 18 Dec 24
First 20° Nov 15 Nov 19 Nov 23 Nov 26 Nov 28 Dec 1 Dec 4 Dec 7 Dec 12
First 24° Oct 21 Oct 27 Oct 31 Nov 4 Nov 7 Nov 10 Nov 14 Nov 18 Nov 24
First 28° Oct 3 Oct 10 Oct 14 Oct 18 Oct 22 Oct 25 Oct 29 Nov 3 Nov 9
First 32° Sep 26 Sep 30 Oct 3 Oct 6 Oct 9 Oct 12 Oct 14 Oct 18 Oct 22
First 36° Sep 10 Sep 15 Sep 18 Sep 21 Sep 24 Sep 27 Sep 30 Oct 4 Oct 9

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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