🍂 2026 First Frost Dates for East Lansing, Michigan 48825
The first 36°F frost date is 30% likely to be on Sep 29. (See detailed probabilities below.)
The first 32°F light freeze date is 30% likely to be on Oct 11. (See detailed probabilities below.)
(See also 🌷 Last Spring Frost Dates.)
First frost date probabilities for East Lansing, MI are based on historical climate data.
Always check your local forecast for the most up-to-date frost warnings.
Book Recommendations (ads!)
📚 Growing Under Cover: Techniques for a More Productive, Weather-Resistant, Pest-Free Vegetable Garden
What is a First Frost Date?
The first fall frost signals the end of your local growing season. This date serves as an important deadline for gardeners and farmers. You'll need to complete harvesting before this point. Annuals and other tender plants will die back when frost hits, and perennial plants will enter their dormant phase for winter. Meanwhile, it's time to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and a cozy sweater—and start planning your spring garden!
How to use the First Frost Date?
Watch your local weather forecasts in early fall to predict the first frost date. Harvest tender crops and protect vulnerable plants before frost arrives. For late-summer plantings, count backward from your area's average first frost date. This ensures your crops have enough time to mature. Keep track of when frost actually occurs in your garden each year. This helps you identify protected spots where the growing season might last longer.
First Frost Date Probabilities
| Probability of frost (36°F) on or before... | |
|---|---|
| 10% chance | Sep 22 |
| 20% chance | Sep 26 |
| 30% chance | Sep 29 |
| 40% chance | Oct 2 |
| 50% chance | Oct 4 |
| 60% chance | Oct 7 |
| 70% chance | Oct 10 |
| 80% chance | Oct 14 |
| 90% chance | Oct 18 |
| Probability of light freeze (32°F) on or before... | |
|---|---|
| 10% chance | Oct 1 |
| 20% chance | Oct 7 |
| 30% chance | Oct 11 |
| 40% chance | Oct 14 |
| 50% chance | Oct 17 |
| 60% chance | Oct 20 |
| 70% chance | Oct 23 |
| 80% chance | Oct 27 |
| 90% chance | Nov 1 |
| Probability of moderate freeze (28°F) on or before... | |
|---|---|
| 10% chance | Oct 14 |
| 20% chance | Oct 20 |
| 30% chance | Oct 24 |
| 40% chance | Oct 27 |
| 50% chance | Oct 30 |
| 60% chance | Nov 1 |
| 70% chance | Nov 5 |
| 80% chance | Nov 8 |
| 90% chance | Nov 13 |
| Probability of moderate hard freeze (24°F) on or before... | |
|---|---|
| 10% chance | Oct 31 |
| 20% chance | Nov 3 |
| 30% chance | Nov 6 |
| 40% chance | Nov 9 |
| 50% chance | Nov 12 |
| 60% chance | Nov 15 |
| 70% chance | Nov 18 |
| 80% chance | Nov 23 |
| 90% chance | Nov 29 |
| Probability of hard freeze (20°F) on or before... | |
|---|---|
| 10% chance | Nov 7 |
| 20% chance | Nov 12 |
| 30% chance | Nov 16 |
| 40% chance | Nov 20 |
| 50% chance | Nov 24 |
| 60% chance | Nov 28 |
| 70% chance | Dec 1 |
| 80% chance | Dec 5 |
| 90% chance | Dec 11 |
| Probability of severe hard freeze (16°F) on or before... | |
|---|---|
| 10% chance | Nov 16 |
| 20% chance | Nov 23 |
| 30% chance | Nov 28 |
| 40% chance | Dec 1 |
| 50% chance | Dec 4 |
| 60% chance | Dec 8 |
| 70% chance | Dec 12 |
| 80% chance | Dec 17 |
| 90% chance | Dec 24 |
Agricultural climatic data from weather station: EAST LANSING 4 S (USC00202395:frost)