Last frost date in Dearborn, MI
Expect the last frost in Dearborn around May 1. Frost after May 18 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 15, which leaves 166 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 1 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 18
- Average first frost
- Oct 15
- Frost-free season
- 166 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 20
No frost in the next 7 nights
Later than usual: the average first frost here is October 15.
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2246°
- FriOct 2344°
- SatOct 2445°
- SunOct 2548°
- MonOct 2646°
- TueOct 2743°
- WedOct 2844°
Planting calendar for Dearborn
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Michigan.
TomatoesMay 8–May 22
PumpkinsMay 15–May 29
SunflowersMay 1–May 22
CucumbersMay 15–May 22
CornMay 8–May 22
Sweet potatoesMay 22–Jun 5
WatermelonMay 15–May 29
Green beansMay 8–May 29
ZucchiniMay 8–May 22
OkraMay 22–Jun 5
PeppersMay 15–May 29
BasilMay 8–May 22
Butternut squashMay 8–May 22
CantaloupeMay 15–May 29
EggplantMay 15–May 29
PotatoesApr 3–Apr 17
OnionsMar 20–Apr 10
CarrotsApr 10–May 15
LettuceApr 17–May 8
BroccoliApr 3–Apr 17
BeetsApr 3–May 15
PeasMar 20–Apr 3
CabbageApr 3–Apr 17
RadishesMar 27–May 8
Brussels sproutsApr 17–May 1
SpinachMar 20–Apr 10
CilantroApr 17–May 8
KaleApr 3–Apr 17
Collard greensApr 3–Apr 17
TurnipsApr 3–Apr 17
DillMay 1–May 15
CeleryMay 8–May 15
CauliflowerApr 17–May 1
LeeksApr 17–May 1
Swiss chardApr 17–May 15
ParsleyApr 17–May 8
Tulip bulbsOct 1–Nov 5
GarlicSep 24–Oct 29
Daffodil bulbsSep 17–Oct 29
StrawberriesApr 3–Apr 17
AsparagusApr 3–Apr 17Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 17 | May 1 | May 18 | Oct 1 | Oct 15 | Oct 28 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Apr 5 | Apr 20 | May 7 | Oct 13 | Oct 28 | Nov 12 |
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 Dearborn (USC00202015) sits 1.4 miles from the center of Dearborn at 605 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 Dearborn, MI?
The average last frost date in Dearborn is May 1, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 18.
When is the first frost in Dearborn?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 15. One year in ten it arrives before October 1.
How long is the growing season in Dearborn?
About 166 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Dearborn?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 8 to May 22. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Michigan
- Allen ParkMay 1
- Dearborn HeightsMay 1
- Lincoln ParkMay 1
- InksterApr 20
- Garden CityMay 1
- TaylorApr 20
- DetroitApr 27
- SouthgateApr 20
- WyandotteMay 1
- WestlandApr 20
- HamtramckApr 21
- RomulusApr 20