Frost dates for 49307Big Rapids, MI
The average last spring frost in Big Rapids is May 13 and the average first fall frost is October 2, giving a typical growing season of about 142 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.
- Average last spring frost
- May 13
- Average first fall frost
- Oct 2
- Growing season
- 142 days
Safer after May 28 (1-in-10 risk)
Possible by Sep 18 (1-in-10 risk)
Last frost typically in 192 days
Frost risk by date
NOAA reports frost dates as probabilities. The middle date is the average (a 50% chance). For spring, the 10% date is a safer planting date: frost after it happens in about 1 year in 10. Light frost (36°F) can damage tender plants; a hard freeze (28°F) kills most annuals.
| Temperature | Last spring: 90% / 50% / 10% chance | First fall: 10% / 50% / 90% chance | Growing season (50%) | Years with at least one |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | May 9 · May 25 · Jun 10 | Sep 6 · Sep 22 · Oct 4 | 118 days | 100% |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Apr 28 · May 13 · May 28 | Sep 18 · Oct 2 · Oct 16 | 142 days | 100% |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Apr 18 · Apr 30 · May 17 | Sep 30 · Oct 13 · Oct 30 | 165 days | 100% |
Planting calendar for Big Rapids
Planting windows from the University of Maryland Extension calendar, shifted to your average frost dates. Use them as a starting point and adjust for seed packet instructions and local conditions.
| Crop | Task | Window |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors | Apr 12 – Jun 18 |
| Tomatoes | Transplant outdoors | May 29 – Jun 12 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors | Apr 12 – May 13 |
| Peppers | Transplant outdoors | Jun 12 – Jul 13 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors | Apr 29 – May 28 |
| Eggplant | Transplant outdoors | Jun 12 – Jul 13 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors | Jun 12 – Jun 22 |
| Summer squash | Sow outdoors | May 29 – Jul 13 |
| Winter squash & pumpkins | Sow outdoors | Jun 12 – Jul 13 |
| Snap beans | Sow outdoors | May 29 – Jul 15 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors | May 29 – Jun 12 |
| Watermelon & cantaloupe | Sow outdoors | Jun 12 – Jul 13 |
| Okra | Sow outdoors | Jun 5 – Jun 28 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors (spring) | Apr 12 – May 28 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors (spring) | Apr 12 – Jun 12 |
| Onions | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Mar 1 – Mar 28 |
| Onions | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Apr 29 – May 28 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Mar 25 – Apr 28 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Apr 29 – May 28 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors (fall) | Jun 2 – Jun 12 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Jul 2 – Jul 13 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (spring) | Mar 15 – Apr 12 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (spring) | Apr 12 – May 13 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors (fall) | May 23 – Jun 22 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors (fall) | Jun 22 – Jul 23 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (spring) | Apr 12 – Jun 28 |
| Leaf lettuce | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jun 22 – Aug 8 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (spring) | Apr 5 – May 19 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jul 9 – Aug 13 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (spring) | Apr 12 – Jun 2 |
| Radishes | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jun 22 – Aug 23 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (spring) | Apr 29 – May 19 |
| Kale | Sow outdoors (fall) | Jun 15 – Jul 23 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (spring) | May 13 – Jun 28 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors (fall) | May 23 – Jul 8 |
| Garlic | Plant outdoors (fall) | Sep 22 – Oct 23 |
Where these dates come from
ZIP code 49307 is matched to the NOAA station Big Rapids Wtp, MI, 2 km away, at 898 ft elevation (70 ft lower than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:
| Station | Elevation | Avg last frost | Avg first frost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Rapids Wtp, MI (used) | 898 ft | May 13 | Oct 2 |
| Hesperia 4 Wnw, MI | 780 ft | May 17 | Oct 1 |
| Fremont 4 Wsw, MI | 800 ft | May 8 | Oct 11 |
| Greenville 2 Nne, MI | 882 ft | May 18 | Sep 28 |
Frost dates near Big Rapids
- Paris, MI 49338 · last May 13, first Oct 2
- Stanwood, MI 49346 · last May 13, first Oct 2
- Rodney, MI 49342 · last May 13, first Oct 2
- Chippewa Lake, MI 49320 · last May 13, first Oct 2
- Hersey, MI 49639 · last May 13, first Oct 2
- Mecosta, MI 49332 · last May 13, first Oct 2
- Morley, MI 49336 · last May 13, first Oct 2
- Reed City, MI 49677 · last May 13, first Oct 2
Frequently asked questions
- When is the last frost in Big Rapids, MI?
- For ZIP code 49307, the average last spring frost (32°F) is May 13, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Big Rapids Wtp, MI weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after May 28.
- When is the first frost in Big Rapids, MI?
- The average first fall frost (32°F) is October 2. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by September 18, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
- How long is the growing season in 49307?
- In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 142 days long.
- Are these frost dates a forecast?
- No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.