Last frost date in Jackson, MI
In Jackson, the last spring frost comes around May 1 in an average year. Wait until May 18 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 14, which leaves 164 frost-free days. An early freeze before September 30 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 18
- Average first frost
- Oct 14
- Frost-free season
- 164 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 14.
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:24 UTC
- ThuOct 2242°
- FriOct 2342°
- SatOct 2443°
- SunOct 2545°
- MonOct 2643°
- TueOct 2740°
- WedOct 2841°
Planting calendar for Jackson
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 bulbsSep 30–Nov 4
GarlicSep 23–Oct 28
Daffodil bulbsSep 16–Oct 28
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 16 | May 1 | May 18 | Sep 30 | Oct 14 | Oct 28 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Apr 4 | Apr 20 | May 6 | Oct 12 | Oct 28 | Nov 11 |
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 Jackson Reynolds Field (USW00014833) sits 3.5 miles from the center of Jackson at 998 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 Jackson, MI?
The average last frost date in Jackson 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 Jackson?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 14. One year in ten it arrives before September 30.
How long is the growing season in Jackson?
About 164 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Jackson?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 8 to May 22. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.