Weather in Kalamazoo, Michigan
Roses open along the stoops. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:22 AM
- Moonset
- 1:29 AM
- In sign
- ♉︎ Taurus
Roses open along the stoops
Kalamazoo at a glance
- Today vs. normal: NaN°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: April 30 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Cool-season window is open
As of May 17, the cool-season window is open or about to open. Direct-sow peas, lettuce, spinach, radishes, and brassicas now. Hold off on warm-season crops until 1–2 weeks after the last spring frost (around May).
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | — | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | — | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July stands as Kalamazoo's warmest month with mean temperatures around 73°F, while January brings the coldest conditions at approximately 25°F. October delivers peak rainfall at 3.7 inches, contrasting with February's dry period of just 1.3 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25° | 1.7″ | 4 |
| February | 27° | 1.3″ | 4 |
| March | 37° | 2.0″ | 5 |
| April | 49° | 3.1″ | 7 |
| May | 60° | 3.7″ | 9 |
| June | 69° | 3.2″ | 6 |
| July | 73° | 3.4″ | 6 |
| August | 71° | 3.7″ | 6 |
| September | 63° | 3.3″ | 6 |
| October | 52° | 3.7″ | 7 |
| November | 40° | 2.5″ | 6 |
| December | 30° | 1.7″ | 4 |
Regional context
The city falls within a warm-summer humid continental climate region, sharing temperature ranges, seasonal rhythms, and growing conditions with other nearby communities in this climate zone.
Similar climates: Detroit, MI, Grand Rapids, MI, Lansing, MI, Ann Arbor, MI, Flint, MI.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the distinctive calls of red-winged blackbirds establishing territories in Kalamazoo's wetlands and marshes.
Sugar maples begin their autumn color transformation in early October, displaying brilliant oranges and reds across the landscape.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Kalamazoo?
- Spring's final frost usually occurs around mid-May in Kalamazoo, while the first fall frost typically arrives around mid-October.
- What is the rainy season in Kalamazoo?
- October sees the heaviest rainfall with approximately 3.7 inches on average, contributing to the city's annual total of roughly 33 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Kalamazoo?
- July typically records the highest temperatures, with averages around 73°F.
- What is the coldest month in Kalamazoo?
- January brings the coldest weather, averaging approximately 25°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Kalamazoo?
- Cool-season vegetables like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-May, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Kalamazoo get?
- The city experiences about 69 rainy days annually on average.
- What hardiness zone is Kalamazoo?
- Local USDA hardiness zones depend on average minimum winter temperatures; consult the USDA's online zone finder using Kalamazoo ZIP codes for current zone information.
Climate
Kalamazoo, Michigan experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate. Winter temperatures in January typically hover near 25°F, while July brings averages around 73°F — creating a 48°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 33 inches, falling across roughly 69 rainy days throughout the year.
Weather patterns here reflect the city's latitude of 42.3°N, along with nearby large water bodies and local elevation. These factors determine growing seasons, frost timing, and daily weather characteristics.