Last spring frost
May 23
Frost Dates for Washburn, WI
First fall frost
Oct 2
Growing season
131 days
Hardiness zone
4b
In an average year around Washburn, WI, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 23 and the first fall frost is about Oct 2, giving roughly a 131-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 8 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.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Jun 17 | Jun 3 | May 22 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 5 | May 23 | May 8 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 25 | May 9 | Apr 23 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 15 | Apr 28 | Apr 10 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 17 | Jun 11 | Jun 8 | Jun 5 | Jun 3 | May 31 | May 29 | May 26 | May 22 |
| 32°F | Jun 5 | Jun 1 | May 29 | May 26 | May 23 | May 20 | May 18 | May 14 | May 8 |
| 28°F | May 25 | May 20 | May 17 | May 13 | May 9 | May 6 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 23 |
| 24°F | May 15 | May 8 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 28 | Apr 24 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 10 |
| 20°F | Apr 30 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 1 |
| 16°F | Apr 20 | Apr 15 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 3 | Apr 1 | Mar 30 | Mar 25 |
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.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Sep 7 | Sep 22 | Oct 5 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 17 | Oct 2 | Oct 16 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 30 | Oct 14 | Oct 29 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 10 | Oct 28 | Nov 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Sep 7 | Sep 12 | Sep 16 | Sep 19 | Sep 22 | Sep 25 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 5 |
| 32°F | Sep 17 | Sep 23 | Sep 27 | Sep 30 | Oct 2 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 16 |
| 28°F | Sep 30 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 16 | Oct 20 | Oct 24 | Oct 29 |
| 24°F | Oct 10 | Oct 16 | Oct 21 | Oct 24 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 13 |
| 20°F | Oct 26 | Oct 31 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 17 | Nov 23 |
| 16°F | Nov 4 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 14 | Nov 16 | Nov 18 | Nov 22 | Nov 25 | Nov 30 |
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
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Bayfield Fish Hatchery, Wi, about 8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 615 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
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 Washburn, WI?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Washburn, WI is about May 23. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 8.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Washburn, WI typically arrives about Oct 2. 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 May 23 on average, or May 8 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 131 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 54891 Planting calendar → Wisconsin frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026