Last frost date in West Bend, WI
In West Bend, the last spring frost comes around May 1 in an average year. Wait until May 18 if you want 90% odds of no more frost. The first fall frost usually arrives about October 12, which leaves 161 frost-free days. An early freeze before September 28 happens one year in ten.
- Safe after (10% risk)
- May 18
- Average first frost
- Oct 12
- Frost-free season
- 161 days
- Hard freeze (28°F) ends
- Apr 22
No frost in the next 7 nights
Later than usual: the average first frost here is October 12.
National Weather Service forecast, updated Oct 22, 12:57 UTC
- ThuOct 2247°
- FriOct 2349°
- SatOct 2452°
- SunOct 2549°
- MonOct 2644°
- TueOct 2742°
- WedOct 2843°
Planting calendar for West Bend
Windows count forward or back from the average frost dates above. Click a crop for dates across Wisconsin.
TomatoesMay 8–May 22
PumpkinsMay 15–May 29
SunflowersMay 1–May 22
CucumbersMay 15–May 22
CornMay 8–May 22
Sweet potatoesMay 22–Jun 5
WatermelonMay 15–May 29
Green beansMay 8–May 29
ZucchiniMay 8–May 22
OkraMay 22–Jun 5
PeppersMay 15–May 29
BasilMay 8–May 22
Butternut squashMay 8–May 22
CantaloupeMay 15–May 29
EggplantMay 15–May 29
PotatoesApr 3–Apr 17
OnionsMar 20–Apr 10
CarrotsApr 10–May 15
LettuceApr 17–May 8
BroccoliApr 3–Apr 17
BeetsApr 3–May 15
PeasMar 20–Apr 3
CabbageApr 3–Apr 17
RadishesMar 27–May 8
Brussels sproutsApr 17–May 1
SpinachMar 20–Apr 10
CilantroApr 17–May 8
KaleApr 3–Apr 17
Collard greensApr 3–Apr 17
TurnipsApr 3–Apr 17
DillMay 1–May 15
CeleryMay 8–May 15
CauliflowerApr 17–May 1
LeeksApr 17–May 1
Swiss chardApr 17–May 15
ParsleyApr 17–May 8
Tulip bulbsSep 28–Nov 2
GarlicSep 21–Oct 26
Daffodil bulbsSep 14–Oct 26
StrawberriesApr 3–Apr 17
AsparagusApr 3–Apr 17Frost probabilities
| Threshold | Spring, 90% chance later | Spring, 50% | Spring, 10% | Fall, 10% chance earlier | Fall, 50% | Fall, 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost, 32°F | Apr 19 | May 1 | May 18 | Sep 28 | Oct 12 | Oct 26 |
| Hard freeze, 28°F | Apr 8 | Apr 22 | May 6 | Oct 9 | Oct 24 | Nov 6 |
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 W Bend Public Works (USC00479052) sits 0.8 miles from the center of West Bend at 980 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 West Bend, WI?
The average last frost date in West Bend is May 1, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals. There is a 10% chance of frost after May 18.
When is the first frost in West Bend?
The first frost in fall usually comes around October 12. One year in ten it arrives before September 28.
How long is the growing season in West Bend?
About 161 days between the average last and first frost.
When should I plant tomatoes in West Bend?
Plant tomato seedlings outside from May 8 to May 22. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks earlier.
Nearby in Wisconsin
- GermantownMay 6
- MequonMay 6
- Menomonee FallsMay 6
- BrookfieldApr 30
- WauwatosaApr 26
- MilwaukeeApr 26
- OconomowocApr 30
- Fond du LacApr 27
- WaukeshaMay 1
- West AllisApr 26
- New BerlinMay 3
- SheboyganApr 25