Last frost date in Wausau, WI

Average last frost
May 6

Expect the last frost in Wausau around May 6. Frost after May 21 happens in only one year out of ten. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 4, which leaves 150 frost-free days. An early freeze before September 21 happens one year in ten.

Safe after (10% risk)
May 21
Average first frost
Oct 4
Frost-free season
150 days
Hard freeze (28°F) ends
Apr 26
Next 7 nights in Wausau

Frost possible in low spots Mon night, low 35°F

National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC

  1. ThuOct 2248°
  2. FriOct 2353°
  3. SatOct 2453°
  4. SunOct 2542°
  5. MonOct 2635°possible frost
  6. TueOct 2736°possible frost
  7. WedOct 2839°
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecLast frost May 6First frost Oct 4150 frost-free daysBlue: chance of 32°F frost. Green: average frost-free season.JFMAMJJASOND150 frost-free days
Frost risk through the year at Wausau Dwtn Airport, 2.7 miles from Wausau.

Planting calendar for Wausau

Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Wisconsin.

Start indoorsPlant outSow outdoorsFall plantingAverage last and first frost
Warm-season crops
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
TomatoesMay 13–May 27
PumpkinsMay 20–Jun 3
SunflowersMay 6–May 27
CucumbersMay 20–May 27
CornMay 13–May 27
Sweet potatoesMay 27–Jun 10
WatermelonMay 20–Jun 3
Green beansMay 13–Jun 3
ZucchiniMay 13–May 27
OkraMay 27–Jun 10
PeppersMay 20–Jun 3
BasilMay 13–May 27
Butternut squashMay 13–May 27
CantaloupeMay 20–Jun 3
EggplantMay 20–Jun 3
Cool-season crops
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
PotatoesApr 8–Apr 22
OnionsMar 25–Apr 15
CarrotsApr 15–May 20
LettuceApr 22–May 13
BroccoliApr 8–Apr 22
BeetsApr 8–May 20
PeasMar 25–Apr 8
CabbageApr 8–Apr 22
RadishesApr 1–May 13
Brussels sproutsApr 22–May 6
SpinachMar 25–Apr 15
CilantroApr 22–May 13
KaleApr 8–Apr 22
Collard greensApr 8–Apr 22
TurnipsApr 8–Apr 22
DillMay 6–May 20
CeleryMay 13–May 20
CauliflowerApr 22–May 6
LeeksApr 22–May 6
Swiss chardApr 22–May 20
ParsleyApr 22–May 13
Fall bulbs and garlic
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tulip bulbsSep 20–Oct 25
GarlicSep 13–Oct 18
Daffodil bulbsSep 6–Oct 18
Perennials
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
StrawberriesApr 8–Apr 22
AsparagusApr 8–Apr 22

Frost probabilities

ThresholdSpring, 90% chance laterSpring, 50%Spring, 10%Fall, 10% chance earlierFall, 50%Fall, 90%
Light frost, 32°FApr 24May 6May 21Sep 21Oct 4Oct 18
Hard freeze, 28°FApr 12Apr 26May 10Oct 1Oct 16Oct 31

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 Wausau Dwtn Airport (USW00014897) sits 2.7 miles from the center of Wausau at 1,181 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 Wausau, WI?

The average last frost date in Wausau is May 6, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 21.

When is the first frost in Wausau?

The first frost in fall usually comes around October 4. One year in ten it arrives before September 21.

How long is the growing season in Wausau?

About 150 days between the average last and first frost.

When should I plant tomatoes in Wausau?

Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 13 to May 27. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.

Nearby in Wisconsin

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