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Frost dates for Alpena, Michigan

In a typical year, Alpena’s last spring frost lands around May 5 and the first fall frost around Oct 17, a growing season of about 165 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 5b.

Right now the typical frost season has arrived; planting waits for spring.

Last spring frost and first fall frost odds for Alpena, Michigan
OddsLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10 percentApr 21Sep 30
50 percentMay 5Oct 17
90 percentMay 21Nov 1

A 10 percent year is an early year, a 90 percent year a late one. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the 90 percent side of the last-frost band.

Soil in Alpena is typically around 46°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.

Plantable now in Alpena

Timing comes from the same temperature engine the app uses, run against Alpena’s normals for today.

See the full what-to-plant lookup

Common questions

When is the last frost in Alpena, Michigan?

Alpena’s last spring frost falls around May 5 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by April 21, and one year in ten frost holds on until May 21. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.

When is the first fall frost in Alpena?

The first fall frost arrives around October 17 in a typical year, as early as September 30 in an early year and as late as November 1 in a late one.

How long is the growing season in Alpena?

About 165 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.

What USDA zone is Alpena in?

Alpena is in USDA hardiness zone 5b under the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Dates come from 30-year NOAA climate normals for the nearest reporting station. They describe odds, not a forecast.

Nearby cities

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