Last frost date in Manitowoc, WI
In Manitowoc, the last spring frost comes around April 30 in an average year. Wait until May 15 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 20, which leaves 171 frost-free days. An early freeze before October 3 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 15
- Average first frost
- Oct 20
- Frost-free season
- 171 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 16
No frost in the next 7 nights
Later than usual: the average first frost here is October 20.
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2248°
- FriOct 2351°
- SatOct 2452°
- SunOct 2547°
- MonOct 2643°
- TueOct 2742°
- WedOct 2843°
Planting calendar for Manitowoc
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Wisconsin.
TomatoesMay 7–May 21
PumpkinsMay 14–May 28
SunflowersApr 30–May 21
CucumbersMay 14–May 21
CornMay 7–May 21
Sweet potatoesMay 21–Jun 4
WatermelonMay 14–May 28
Green beansMay 7–May 28
ZucchiniMay 7–May 21
OkraMay 21–Jun 4
PeppersMay 14–May 28
BasilMay 7–May 21
Butternut squashMay 7–May 21
CantaloupeMay 14–May 28
EggplantMay 14–May 28
PotatoesApr 2–Apr 16
OnionsMar 19–Apr 9
CarrotsApr 9–May 14
LettuceApr 16–May 7
BroccoliApr 2–Apr 16
BeetsApr 2–May 14
PeasMar 19–Apr 2
CabbageApr 2–Apr 16
RadishesMar 26–May 7
Brussels sproutsApr 16–Apr 30
SpinachMar 19–Apr 9
CilantroApr 16–May 7
KaleApr 2–Apr 16
Collard greensApr 2–Apr 16
TurnipsApr 2–Apr 16
DillApr 30–May 14
CeleryMay 7–May 14
CauliflowerApr 16–Apr 30
LeeksApr 16–Apr 30
Swiss chardApr 16–May 14
ParsleyApr 16–May 7
Tulip bulbsOct 6–Nov 10
GarlicSep 29–Nov 3
Daffodil bulbsSep 22–Nov 3
StrawberriesApr 2–Apr 16
AsparagusApr 2–Apr 16Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 14 | Apr 30 | May 15 | Oct 3 | Oct 20 | Nov 3 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Apr 2 | Apr 16 | May 3 | Oct 17 | Nov 1 | Nov 13 |
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 Manitowoc (USC00475017) sits 1.5 miles from the center of Manitowoc at 584 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 Manitowoc, WI?
The average last frost date in Manitowoc is April 30, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 15.
When is the first frost in Manitowoc?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 20. One year in ten it arrives before October 3.
How long is the growing season in Manitowoc?
About 171 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in Manitowoc?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 7 to May 21. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Wisconsin
- SheboyganApr 25
- De PereApr 30
- Green BayMay 7
- AppletonMay 4
- HowardMay 7
- NeenahMay 4
- Fond du LacApr 27
- OshkoshApr 24
- West BendMay 1
- MequonMay 6
- GermantownMay 6
- Menomonee FallsMay 6