Frost dates for Traverse City, Michigan
In a typical year, Traverse City’s last spring frost lands around May 12 and the first fall frost around Oct 16, a growing season of about 157 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.
| Odds | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 percent | Apr 26 | Oct 1 |
| 50 percent | May 12 | Oct 16 |
| 90 percent | May 27 | Nov 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 Traverse City is typically around 48°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.
Plantable now in Traverse City
- Garlic (Music)
Timing comes from the same temperature engine the app uses, run against Traverse City’s normals for today.
Common questions
When is the last frost in Traverse City, Michigan?
Traverse City’s last spring frost falls around May 12 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by April 26, and one year in ten frost holds on until May 27. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.
When is the first fall frost in Traverse City?
The first fall frost arrives around October 16 in a typical year, as early as October 1 in an early year and as late as November 1 in a late one.
How long is the growing season in Traverse City?
About 157 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.
What USDA zone is Traverse City in?
Traverse City 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
- Escanaba, MI (around May 13 to Oct 7)
- Alpena, MI (around May 5 to Oct 17)
- Green Bay, WI (around Apr 30 to Oct 9)
- Saginaw, MI (around Apr 29 to Oct 21)
- Grand Rapids, MI (around May 6 to Oct 10)
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