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Frost Dates for Summit Lake, WI

Last spring frost
Jun 3
First fall frost
Sep 18
Growing season
106 days
Hardiness zone
4b

In an average year around Summit Lake, WI, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jun 3 and the first fall frost is about Sep 18, giving roughly a 106-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 20 before setting out tender plants.

Last spring frost

Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.

Last spring frost - Summit Lake, WI
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Freeze (32°F) Jun 27 Jun 3 May 20
Hard (28°F) Jun 4 May 19 May 4
Severe (24°F) May 20 May 4 Apr 21
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
32°F Jun 27 Jun 17 Jun 11 Jun 7 Jun 3 May 31 May 28 May 24 May 20
28°F Jun 4 May 30 May 26 May 22 May 19 May 16 May 12 May 9 May 4
24°F May 20 May 15 May 11 May 7 May 4 May 1 Apr 29 Apr 25 Apr 21
20°F May 8 May 3 Apr 29 Apr 26 Apr 23 Apr 20 Apr 17 Apr 13 Apr 8
16°F Apr 27 Apr 23 Apr 19 Apr 15 Apr 12 Apr 9 Apr 6 Apr 3 Mar 31

First fall frost

Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.

First fall frost - Summit Lake, WI
Frost intensity Early (10%) Average (50%) Late (90%)
Freeze (32°F) Sep 1 Sep 18 Oct 4
Hard (28°F) Sep 13 Oct 1 Oct 20
Severe (24°F) Sep 29 Oct 18 Nov 4
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
°F 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
32°F Sep 1 Sep 6 Sep 11 Sep 14 Sep 18 Sep 22 Sep 25 Sep 29 Oct 4
28°F Sep 13 Sep 20 Sep 25 Sep 28 Oct 1 Oct 4 Oct 7 Oct 13 Oct 20
24°F Sep 29 Oct 4 Oct 9 Oct 13 Oct 18 Oct 22 Oct 27 Oct 31 Nov 4
20°F Oct 13 Oct 20 Oct 25 Oct 29 Nov 1 Nov 3 Nov 5 Nov 10 Nov 14
16°F Oct 28 Nov 1 Nov 3 Nov 6 Nov 9 Nov 12 Nov 15 Nov 18 Nov 22

Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.

Where this data comes from

These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: North Pelican, Wi, about 16.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,610 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.

@endif
How we calculate these dates

Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.

Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Summit Lake, WI?

On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Summit Lake, WI is about Jun 3. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 20.

When is the first frost in the fall?

The first fall frost around Summit Lake, WI typically arrives about Sep 18. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.

When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?

Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around Jun 3 on average, or May 20 to be safe most years.

How long is the growing season here?

The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 106 days in a typical year.

Are these dates a forecast for this year?

No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.

Local weather for 54485 Planting calendar → Wisconsin frost dates →

Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026