Frost Dates for Grand Rapids, MI
In Grand Rapids, MI, the average last spring frost is around May 6 and the average first fall frost around Oct 10, for a growing season of about 157 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 23, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the E Grand Rapids, MI weather station, 3 miles away, elevation 746 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.
Frost probability by date
Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.
| Chance | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | May 23 | Sep 29 |
| 20% | May 17 | Oct 2 |
| 30% | May 14 | Oct 5 |
| 40% | May 9 | Oct 7 |
| 50% | May 6 | Oct 10 |
| 60% | May 4 | Oct 13 |
| 70% | May 1 | Oct 15 |
| 80% | Apr 28 | Oct 19 |
| 90% | Apr 24 | Oct 25 |
Light frost vs. hard freeze
Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.
| Temperature | Last in spring | First in fall |
|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | May 18 | Oct 1 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | May 6 | Oct 10 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Apr 27 | Oct 23 |
Planting calendar for Grand Rapids
Transplant May 13 – May 27
Transplant May 20 – Jun 3
Transplant May 20 – Jun 3
Transplant May 13 – May 27
Sow or transplant May 13 – May 27
Sow or transplant May 13 – May 27
Sow or transplant May 20 – Jun 3
Sow or transplant Apr 8 – Apr 22
Fall sowing Aug 15 – Sep 12
Fall sowing Aug 15 – Sep 5
Fall sowing Aug 1 – Aug 15
Sow or transplant Apr 8 – Apr 22
Fall sowing Aug 1 – Aug 29
Transplant Apr 22 – May 6
Fall sowing Jul 18 – Aug 1
Transplant Apr 15 – Apr 29
Fall sowing Jul 18 – Aug 1
Fall sowing Jul 18 – Aug 1
Fall sowing Aug 29 – Sep 19
Fall sowing Aug 1 – Aug 15
Plant Apr 8 – Apr 22
Based on the average last frost (May 6) and first frost (Oct 10). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.