Charlevoix, MI frost dates
Last spring frostMay 1median date
First fall frostOct 28median date
Growing season180 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone6aZone 6a
How Charlevoix compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Charlevoix falls between April 18 and May 16, a 28-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 13 and November 11.
- The median last frost is 4 days earlier than the Michigan median of May 5.
- Its 180-day growing season is longer than 93% of the 878 Michigan places with a regular frost season (state median 162 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 6a, where the median is Apr 29.
- The weather station records an average of 135 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 18 |
| 50% (median) | May 1 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 16 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 13 |
| 50% (median) | October 28 |
| 90% (late) | November 11 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Charlevoix, MI
Charlevoix, MI frost dates — last frost May 1, first frost Oct 28, zone 6a. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
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Start indoors: Feb 6 to Feb 20Transplant outside: Apr 3 to Apr 17
Start indoors: Feb 20 to Mar 6Transplant outside: May 15 to May 29
Start indoors: Feb 20 to Mar 6Transplant outside: May 15 to May 29
Start indoors: Mar 6 to Mar 20Transplant outside: May 8 to May 22
Start indoors: Mar 6 to Mar 20Transplant outside: Apr 10 to Apr 24Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to May 8Plant for fall: Sep 2 to Sep 30
Start indoors: Mar 6 to Mar 20Transplant outside: Apr 3 to Apr 17Sow outdoors: Apr 3 to Apr 17Plant for fall: Aug 19 to Sep 9
Start indoors: Mar 6 to Mar 20Transplant outside: Apr 17 to May 1Plant for fall: Jul 22 to Aug 12
Start indoors: Mar 6 to Mar 20Transplant outside: Apr 10 to Apr 24Plant for fall: Jul 22 to Aug 12
Start indoors: Mar 6 to Mar 20Transplant outside: Apr 17 to May 1Plant for fall: Jul 22 to Aug 12
Start indoors: Mar 20 to Apr 3Transplant outside: May 22 to Jun 5Sow outdoors: May 22 to Jun 5
Start indoors: Mar 20 to Apr 3Transplant outside: May 8 to May 22
Sow outdoors: Mar 20 to Apr 10Plant for fall: Aug 5 to Aug 26
Sow outdoors: Mar 20 to Apr 10Plant for fall: Sep 2 to Sep 23
Sow outdoors: Mar 27 to May 8Plant for fall: Sep 16 to Oct 7
Start indoors: Apr 3 to Apr 10Transplant outside: May 15 to May 22Sow outdoors: May 8 to May 22Plant for fall: Aug 12 to Aug 26
Start indoors: Apr 3 to Apr 10Sow outdoors: May 8 to May 22Plant for fall: Aug 19 to Sep 2
Start indoors: Apr 3 to Apr 10Sow outdoors: May 8 to May 22
Start indoors: Apr 3 to Apr 10Transplant outside: May 15 to May 29
Sow outdoors: Apr 10 to May 8Plant for fall: Aug 5 to Aug 19
Sow outdoors: Apr 10 to May 8Plant for fall: Aug 19 to Sep 2
Sow outdoors: Apr 10 to May 1
Sow outdoors: Apr 17 to May 15Plant for fall: Aug 19 to Sep 2
Sow outdoors: Apr 17 to May 8Plant for fall: Sep 2 to Sep 23
Sow outdoors: May 8 to May 29Plant for fall: Aug 12 to Aug 26
Sow outdoors: May 8 to May 22
Transplant outside: May 15 to Jun 5
Plant for fall: Oct 14 to Nov 18
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Charlevoix, MI
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | May 15 – May 29 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | May 15 – May 29 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | May 8 – May 22 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | Apr 3 – May 8 | Sep 2 – Sep 30 |
| Kale | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | Aug 19 – Sep 9 |
| Broccoli | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | Apr 17 – May 1 | — | Jul 22 – Aug 12 |
| Cabbage | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | — | Jul 22 – Aug 12 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | Apr 17 – May 1 | — | Jul 22 – Aug 12 |
| Okra | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | May 22 – Jun 5 | May 22 – Jun 5 | — |
| Basil | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | May 8 – May 22 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 20 – Apr 10 | Aug 5 – Aug 26 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 20 – Apr 10 | Sep 2 – Sep 23 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 27 – May 8 | Sep 16 – Oct 7 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 3 – Apr 10 | May 15 – May 22 | May 8 – May 22 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 3 – Apr 10 | — | May 8 – May 22 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 3 – Apr 10 | — | May 8 – May 22 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 3 – Apr 10 | May 15 – May 29 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 10 – May 8 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 10 – May 8 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 10 – May 1 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 17 – May 15 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 17 – May 8 | Sep 2 – Sep 23 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 8 – May 29 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 8 – May 22 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 15 – Jun 5 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 14 – Nov 18 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Charlevoix, MI weather station, 6 km away (elevation 594 ft (181 m)).
Frost dates near Charlevoix
- Ellsworth May 16 · Oct 6
- East Jordan May 23 · Oct 2
- Bay Shore May 6 · Oct 20
- Boyne City May 23 · Oct 3
- Eastport May 23 · Oct 2
- Central Lake May 23 · Oct 2
- Walloon Lake May 16 · Oct 9
- Petoskey May 16 · Oct 9
- Boyne Falls May 23 · Oct 3
- Kewadin May 13 · Oct 19
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Charlevoix, MI?
The median last spring frost in Charlevoix, MI is May 1. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 16, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Charlevoix, MI?
The median first fall frost is October 28, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 13.
How long is the growing season in Charlevoix, MI?
About 180 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Charlevoix, MI?
Charlevoix, MI is in USDA hardiness zone 6a.