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Frost dates for Lansing, Michigan

In a typical year, Lansing’s last spring frost lands around May 1 and the first fall frost around Oct 13, a growing season of about 165 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 6a.

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

Last spring frost and first fall frost odds for Lansing, Michigan
OddsLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10 percentApr 18Sep 29
50 percentMay 1Oct 13
90 percentMay 18Oct 28

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 Lansing is typically around 49°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.

Plantable now in Lansing

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

See the full what-to-plant lookup

Common questions

When is the last frost in Lansing, Michigan?

Lansing’s last spring frost falls around May 1 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by April 18, and one year in ten frost holds on until May 18. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.

When is the first fall frost in Lansing?

The first fall frost arrives around October 13 in a typical year, as early as September 29 in an early year and as late as October 28 in a late one.

How long is the growing season in Lansing?

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

What USDA zone is Lansing in?

Lansing is in USDA hardiness zone 6a 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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