In Wisconsin, the last spring frost usually comes between May 2 and May 25, and the first fall frost between September 23 and October 12, depending on where you live. Most of Wisconsin is in USDA hardiness zones 4a to 5b.
Find the frost dates for your ZIP code
Frost dates from NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, nearest weather station. Zones derived from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map data (PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University). This is not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Frost dates for Wisconsin cities
Dates come from the NOAA weather station closest to each city. The last spring frost and first fall frost are the typical dates, with a 30% chance of frost after (or before) them. The safer planting date has only a 10% chance of a later spring frost: use it for tender plants like tomatoes, peppers and basil.
| City | Zone | Last frost | Safer date | First frost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | 6a | May 2 | May 12 | Oct. 16 |
| Madison | 5a | May 7 | May 17 | Oct. 3 |
| Green Bay | 5b | May 13 | May 22 | Oct. 2 |
| Kenosha | 6a | April 25 | May 3 | Oct. 21 |
| Appleton | 5b | May 10 | May 20 | Oct. 1 |
| Eau Claire | 4b | May 13 | May 21 | Sep. 29 |
| Janesville | 5b | May 1 | May 11 | Oct. 10 |
| La Crosse | 5a | April 30 | May 6 | Oct. 11 |
| Sheboygan | 6a | May 9 | May 19 | Oct. 14 |
| Fond du Lac | 5b | May 8 | May 17 | Oct. 6 |
Frost dates vary a lot across Wisconsin. Among the cities above, Kenosha has the earliest last frost (around April 25) and Green Bay the latest (around May 13), about 3 weeks apart. Elevation, nearby water and local terrain all make a difference, so use the dates for the place closest to you, or look up your ZIP code.
Growing zones in Wisconsin
Most of Wisconsin is in USDA hardiness zones 4a to 5b. A typical frost-free growing season lasts about 163 days, longer in the warmest areas and shorter in the coldest.
Find planting dates for the main zones in Wisconsin:
- Zone 4 (about 38% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
- Zone 5 (about 58% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
See all crops in our planting guides, or build a planting calendar for your ZIP code.
How to use frost dates
- Cool-season crops such as peas, lettuce, spinach and onions can go in several weeks before your last spring frost.
- Warm-season crops such as tomatoes, peppers, squash and beans wait until after it, when the soil has warmed.
- Fall crops are timed back from your first fall frost, and garlic and tulips are planted around it.
- Frost dates are averages. Check the forecast before setting out tender plants.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Wisconsin?
It depends on where you live. Across most of Wisconsin, the last spring frost comes between May 2 and May 25. In Milwaukee, it is around May 2.
When is the first frost in Wisconsin?
Across most of Wisconsin, the first fall frost comes between September 23 and October 12. In Milwaukee, it is around October 16.
What planting zone is Wisconsin?
Most of Wisconsin is in USDA hardiness zones 4a to 5b. Enter your ZIP code above to find your exact zone.
When can I plant tomatoes in Wisconsin?
Plant tomatoes outside after your last frost, once nights stay above 50 °F. In Milwaukee, the safer date, with only a 10% chance of a later frost, is around May 12. See when to plant tomatoes in zone 6.
Sources. Frost dates come from the nearest NOAA weather station to each city or ZIP code. Zones come from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map ZIP code data. Our zone lookup is not the official USDA map.