Last frost date in East Lansing, MI
Expect the last frost in East Lansing around April 28. Frost after May 16 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 17, which leaves 173 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 1 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 16
- Average first frost
- Oct 17
- Frost-free season
- 173 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 15
No frost in the next 7 nights
Later than usual: the average first frost here is October 17.
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2242°
- FriOct 2342°
- SatOct 2445°
- SunOct 2547°
- MonOct 2643°
- TueOct 2740°
- WedOct 2842°
Planting calendar for East Lansing
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Michigan.
TomatoesMay 5–May 19
PumpkinsMay 12–May 26
SunflowersApr 28–May 19
CucumbersMay 12–May 19
CornMay 5–May 19
Sweet potatoesMay 19–Jun 2
WatermelonMay 12–May 26
Green beansMay 5–May 26
ZucchiniMay 5–May 19
OkraMay 19–Jun 2
PeppersMay 12–May 26
BasilMay 5–May 19
Butternut squashMay 5–May 19
CantaloupeMay 12–May 26
EggplantMay 12–May 26
PotatoesMar 31–Apr 14
OnionsMar 17–Apr 7
CarrotsApr 7–May 12
LettuceApr 14–May 5
BroccoliMar 31–Apr 14
BeetsMar 31–May 12
PeasMar 17–Mar 31
CabbageMar 31–Apr 14
RadishesMar 24–May 5
Brussels sproutsApr 14–Apr 28
SpinachMar 17–Apr 7
CilantroApr 14–May 5
KaleMar 31–Apr 14
Collard greensMar 31–Apr 14
TurnipsMar 31–Apr 14
DillApr 28–May 12
CeleryMay 5–May 12
CauliflowerApr 14–Apr 28
LeeksApr 14–Apr 28
Swiss chardApr 14–May 12
ParsleyApr 14–May 5
Tulip bulbsOct 3–Nov 7
GarlicSep 26–Oct 31
Daffodil bulbsSep 19–Oct 31
StrawberriesMar 31–Apr 14
AsparagusMar 31–Apr 14Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 13 | Apr 28 | May 16 | Oct 1 | Oct 17 | Nov 1 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Apr 2 | Apr 15 | May 1 | Oct 14 | Oct 30 | Nov 13 |
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 East Lansing 4 S (USC00202395) sits 5.2 miles from the center of East Lansing at 880 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 East Lansing, MI?
The average last frost date in East Lansing is April 28, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 16.
When is the first frost in East Lansing?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 17. One year in ten it arrives before October 1.
How long is the growing season in East Lansing?
About 173 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in East Lansing?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 5 to May 19. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.