Frost dates for 48242 — Detroit, MI
How Detroit compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Detroit falls between April 6 and May 8, a 32-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 14 and November 9.
- The median last frost is 15 days earlier than the Michigan median of May 5.
- Its 190-day growing season is longer than 96% of the 878 Michigan places with a regular frost season (state median 162 days).
- The last frost is typical for zone 6b, where the median is Apr 22.
- The weather station records an average of 120 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 6 |
| 50% (median) | April 20 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 8 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 14 |
| 50% (median) | October 27 |
| 90% (late) | November 9 |
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 Detroit, MI
Frost dates for 48242 — Detroit, MI — last frost Apr 20, first frost Oct 27, zone 6b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Detroit, MI
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 26 – Feb 9 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | May 4 – May 18 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | May 4 – May 18 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Apr 27 – May 11 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 | Mar 23 – Apr 27 | Sep 1 – Sep 29 |
| Kale | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | Aug 18 – Sep 8 |
| Broccoli | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 11 |
| Cabbage | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 11 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 23 – Mar 9 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 | — | Jul 21 – Aug 11 |
| Okra | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | May 11 – May 25 | May 11 – May 25 | — |
| Basil | Mar 9 – Mar 23 | Apr 27 – May 11 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 9 – Mar 30 | Aug 4 – Aug 25 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 9 – Mar 30 | Sep 1 – Sep 22 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 16 – Apr 27 | Sep 15 – Oct 6 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 23 – Mar 30 | May 4 – May 11 | Apr 27 – May 11 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 23 – Mar 30 | — | Apr 27 – May 11 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 23 – Mar 30 | — | Apr 27 – May 11 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 23 – Mar 30 | May 4 – May 18 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 30 – Apr 27 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 30 – Apr 27 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 30 – Apr 20 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 6 – May 4 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 6 – Apr 27 | Sep 1 – Sep 22 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 27 – May 18 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 27 – May 11 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 4 – May 25 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 13 – Nov 17 |
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 Detroit Metro Ap, MI weather station, 2 km away (elevation 630 ft (192 m)).
ZIP codes in Detroit: 48201 48202 48204 48205 48206 48207 48208 48209 48210 48211 48213 48214 48215 48216 48217 48219 48221 48222 48223 48224 48226 48227 48228 48231 48232 48233 48234 48235 48238 48242 48243 48244 48255 48260 48264 48265 48266 48267 48268 48269 48272 48275 48277 48278 48279 48288
Frost dates near Detroit
- Romulus Apr 20 · Oct 27
- Wayne Apr 20 · Oct 27
- Taylor Apr 20 · Oct 27
- New Boston Apr 20 · Oct 27
- Inkster May 1 · Oct 15
- Riverview Apr 20 · Oct 27
- Westland Apr 20 · Oct 27
- Belleville Apr 24 · Oct 24
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Detroit, MI?
The median last spring frost in Detroit, MI is April 20. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 8, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Detroit, MI?
The median first fall frost is October 27, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 14.
How long is the growing season in Detroit, MI?
About 190 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Detroit, MI?
Detroit, MI is in USDA hardiness zone 6b.