Last frost date in Battle Creek, MI
In Battle Creek, the last spring frost comes around April 30 in an average year. Wait until May 17 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 19, which leaves 170 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 3 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 17
- Average first frost
- Oct 19
- Frost-free season
- 170 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 19
No frost in the next 7 nights
Later than usual: the average first frost here is October 19.
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2242°
- FriOct 2343°
- SatOct 2445°
- SunOct 2546°
- MonOct 2644°
- TueOct 2741°
- WedOct 2842°
Planting calendar for Battle Creek
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Michigan.
TomatoesMay 7–May 21
PumpkinsMay 14–May 28
SunflowersApr 30–May 21
CucumbersMay 14–May 21
CornMay 7–May 21
Sweet potatoesMay 21–Jun 4
WatermelonMay 14–May 28
Green beansMay 7–May 28
ZucchiniMay 7–May 21
OkraMay 21–Jun 4
PeppersMay 14–May 28
BasilMay 7–May 21
Butternut squashMay 7–May 21
CantaloupeMay 14–May 28
EggplantMay 14–May 28
PotatoesApr 2–Apr 16
OnionsMar 19–Apr 9
CarrotsApr 9–May 14
LettuceApr 16–May 7
BroccoliApr 2–Apr 16
BeetsApr 2–May 14
PeasMar 19–Apr 2
CabbageApr 2–Apr 16
RadishesMar 26–May 7
Brussels sproutsApr 16–Apr 30
SpinachMar 19–Apr 9
CilantroApr 16–May 7
KaleApr 2–Apr 16
Collard greensApr 2–Apr 16
TurnipsApr 2–Apr 16
DillApr 30–May 14
CeleryMay 7–May 14
CauliflowerApr 16–Apr 30
LeeksApr 16–Apr 30
Swiss chardApr 16–May 14
ParsleyApr 16–May 7
Tulip bulbsOct 5–Nov 9
GarlicSep 28–Nov 2
Daffodil bulbsSep 21–Nov 2
StrawberriesApr 2–Apr 16
AsparagusApr 2–Apr 16Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 16 | Apr 30 | May 17 | Oct 3 | Oct 19 | Nov 2 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Apr 4 | Apr 19 | May 6 | Oct 17 | Nov 1 | Nov 14 |
Read the spring 10% column as the date after which only one year in ten still gets frost. That is the safer date for tomatoes, peppers and basil.
Where these numbers come from
NOAA station Battle Creek Kellogg Airport (USW00014815) sits 1.3 miles from the center of Battle Creek at 928 feet. Its averages cover 1991 to 2020. Low spots, valleys and open fields can keep getting frost a week or two after the station stops; city centers and lakeshores usually get less of it.
Questions
When is the last frost in Battle Creek, MI?
The average last frost date in Battle Creek is April 30, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 17.
When is the first frost in Battle Creek?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 19. One year in ten it arrives before October 3.
How long is the growing season in Battle Creek?
About 170 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Battle Creek?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 7 to May 21. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Michigan
- KalamazooApr 28
- PortageApr 28
- JacksonMay 1
- HoltApr 28
- WaverlyMay 1
- KentwoodApr 30
- LansingMay 1
- WyomingMay 6
- Forest HillsApr 29
- East LansingApr 28
- OkemosApr 28
- Grand RapidsMay 6