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Frost dates for Detroit, Michigan

In a typical year, Detroit’s last spring frost lands around Apr 27 and the first fall frost around Oct 25, a growing season of about 181 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 6b.

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

Last spring frost and first fall frost odds for Detroit, Michigan
OddsLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10 percentApr 12Oct 10
50 percentApr 27Oct 25
90 percentMay 11Nov 7

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 Detroit is typically around 51°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.

See what is plantable in your ZIP with the what-to-plant lookup.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Detroit, Michigan?

Detroit’s last spring frost falls around April 27 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by April 12, and one year in ten frost holds on until May 11. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.

When is the first fall frost in Detroit?

The first fall frost arrives around October 25 in a typical year, as early as October 10 in an early year and as late as November 7 in a late one.

How long is the growing season in Detroit?

About 181 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.

What USDA zone is Detroit in?

Detroit is in USDA hardiness zone 6b 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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