Weather in Grand Rapids, 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
- 10:19 AM
- Moonset
- 1:32 AM
- In sign
- ♉︎ Taurus
Roses open along the stoops
Grand Rapids at a glance
- Today vs. normal: NaN°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: May 4 (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 brings Grand Rapids its warmest temperatures (~71°F mean) while January delivers the coldest (~24°F). Rainfall reaches its peak in May (4.4 inches) and drops to its lowest point in February (2.1 inches).
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24° | 2.7″ | 8 |
| February | 26° | 2.1″ | 7 |
| March | 34° | 2.6″ | 6 |
| April | 46° | 4.1″ | 9 |
| May | 58° | 4.4″ | 10 |
| June | 67° | 4.0″ | 8 |
| July | 71° | 3.3″ | 5 |
| August | 69° | 3.0″ | 6 |
| September | 62° | 3.5″ | 7 |
| October | 50° | 3.7″ | 10 |
| November | 39° | 3.3″ | 7 |
| December | 29° | 2.8″ | 8 |
Regional context
Grand Rapids falls within a warm-summer humid continental climate region. This places it among a group of nearby cities that share similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions.
Similar climates: Detroit, MI, Lansing, MI, Ann Arbor, MI, Flint, MI, Kalamazoo, MI.
Naturalist notes
By late May, American robins have typically completed their second broods across Grand Rapids neighborhoods.
Common lilacs finish their peak bloom period in early June, marking the transition into full summer.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Grand Rapids?
- Grand Rapids typically sees its last spring frost around mid-May, with the first fall frost returning around mid-October.
- What is the rainy season in Grand Rapids?
- May stands as the wettest month with about 4.4 inches of rain on average, while the city receives roughly 40 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Grand Rapids?
- July typically brings the warmest weather, averaging about 71°F.
- What is the coldest month in Grand Rapids?
- January typically delivers the coldest temperatures, averaging about 24°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Grand Rapids?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost (mid-May), while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Grand Rapids get?
- Grand Rapids averages about 89 rainy days per year.
- What hardiness zone is Grand Rapids?
- Grand Rapids's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature. Check the USDA's online lookup with the city ZIP for the current zone designation.
Climate
Grand Rapids, Michigan experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate. January temperatures hover near 24°F while July averages 71°F, creating a 47°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, Grand Rapids receives about 40 inches of precipitation spread over roughly 89 rainy days.
Several factors shape the local weather patterns: latitude (43.0°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These elements determine what grows here, when frost is likely, and the daily weather patterns.