Last frost date in Eau Claire, WI
Expect the last frost in Eau Claire around April 24. Frost after May 7 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 14, which leaves 170 frost-free days. An early freeze before September 26 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 7
- Average first frost
- Oct 14
- Frost-free season
- 170 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 14
No frost in the next 7 nights
Later than usual: the average first frost here is October 14.
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2251°
- FriOct 2359°
- SatOct 2453°
- SunOct 2545°
- MonOct 2640°
- TueOct 2739°
- WedOct 2842°
Planting calendar for Eau Claire
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Wisconsin.
TomatoesMay 1–May 15
PumpkinsMay 8–May 22
SunflowersApr 24–May 15
CucumbersMay 8–May 15
CornMay 1–May 15
Sweet potatoesMay 15–May 29
WatermelonMay 8–May 22
Green beansMay 1–May 22
ZucchiniMay 1–May 15
OkraMay 15–May 29
PeppersMay 8–May 22
BasilMay 1–May 15
Butternut squashMay 1–May 15
CantaloupeMay 8–May 22
EggplantMay 8–May 22
PotatoesMar 27–Apr 10
OnionsMar 13–Apr 3
CarrotsApr 3–May 8
LettuceApr 10–May 1
BroccoliMar 27–Apr 10
BeetsMar 27–May 8
PeasMar 13–Mar 27
CabbageMar 27–Apr 10
RadishesMar 20–May 1
Brussels sproutsApr 10–Apr 24
SpinachMar 13–Apr 3
CilantroApr 10–May 1
KaleMar 27–Apr 10
Collard greensMar 27–Apr 10
TurnipsMar 27–Apr 10
DillApr 24–May 8
CeleryMay 1–May 8
CauliflowerApr 10–Apr 24
LeeksApr 10–Apr 24
Swiss chardApr 10–May 8
ParsleyApr 10–May 1
Tulip bulbsSep 30–Nov 4
GarlicSep 23–Oct 28
Daffodil bulbsSep 16–Oct 28
StrawberriesMar 27–Apr 10
AsparagusMar 27–Apr 10Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 9 | Apr 24 | May 7 | Sep 26 | Oct 14 | Oct 28 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Apr 1 | Apr 14 | Apr 30 | Oct 10 | Oct 26 | Nov 7 |
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 Eau Claire 3SW (USC00472425) sits 2.4 miles from the center of Eau Claire at 880 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 Eau Claire, WI?
The average last frost date in Eau Claire is April 24, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 7.
When is the first frost in Eau Claire?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 14. One year in ten it arrives before September 26.
How long is the growing season in Eau Claire?
About 170 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Eau Claire?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 1 to May 15. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.