Last frost date in Appleton, WI
Expect the last frost in Appleton around May 4. Frost after May 20 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 6, which leaves 154 frost-free days. An early freeze before September 23 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 20
- Average first frost
- Oct 6
- Frost-free season
- 154 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 23
No frost in the next 7 nights
Later than usual: the average first frost here is October 6.
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:24 UTC
- ThuOct 2250°
- FriOct 2354°
- SatOct 2455°
- SunOct 2547°
- MonOct 2642°
- TueOct 2741°
- WedOct 2843°
Planting calendar for Appleton
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Wisconsin.
TomatoesMay 11–May 25
PumpkinsMay 18–Jun 1
SunflowersMay 4–May 25
CucumbersMay 18–May 25
CornMay 11–May 25
Sweet potatoesMay 25–Jun 8
WatermelonMay 18–Jun 1
Green beansMay 11–Jun 1
ZucchiniMay 11–May 25
OkraMay 25–Jun 8
PeppersMay 18–Jun 1
BasilMay 11–May 25
Butternut squashMay 11–May 25
CantaloupeMay 18–Jun 1
EggplantMay 18–Jun 1
PotatoesApr 6–Apr 20
OnionsMar 23–Apr 13
CarrotsApr 13–May 18
LettuceApr 20–May 11
BroccoliApr 6–Apr 20
BeetsApr 6–May 18
PeasMar 23–Apr 6
CabbageApr 6–Apr 20
RadishesMar 30–May 11
Brussels sproutsApr 20–May 4
SpinachMar 23–Apr 13
CilantroApr 20–May 11
KaleApr 6–Apr 20
Collard greensApr 6–Apr 20
TurnipsApr 6–Apr 20
DillMay 4–May 18
CeleryMay 11–May 18
CauliflowerApr 20–May 4
LeeksApr 20–May 4
Swiss chardApr 20–May 18
ParsleyApr 20–May 11
Tulip bulbsSep 22–Oct 27
GarlicSep 15–Oct 20
Daffodil bulbsSep 8–Oct 20
StrawberriesApr 6–Apr 20
AsparagusApr 6–Apr 20Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 21 | May 4 | May 20 | Sep 23 | Oct 6 | Oct 21 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Apr 9 | Apr 23 | May 8 | Oct 1 | Oct 18 | Nov 3 |
Read the spring 10% column as the date after which only one year in ten still gets frost. That is the safer date for tomatoes, peppers and basil.
Where these numbers come from
NOAA station Appleton (USC00470265) sits 2.5 miles from the center of Appleton at 792 feet. Its averages cover 1991 to 2020. Low spots, valleys and open fields can keep getting frost a week or two after the station stops; city centers and lakeshores usually get less of it.
Questions
When is the last frost in Appleton, WI?
The average last frost date in Appleton is May 4, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 20.
When is the first frost in Appleton?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 6. One year in ten it arrives before September 23.
How long is the growing season in Appleton?
About 154 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Appleton?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 11 to May 25. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Wisconsin
- NeenahMay 4
- De PereApr 30
- OshkoshApr 24
- HowardMay 7
- Green BayMay 7
- Fond du LacApr 27
- ManitowocApr 30
- SheboyganApr 25
- Stevens PointMay 4
- West BendMay 1
- GermantownMay 6
- MequonMay 6