Frost Dates for Oak Creek, WI

In Oak Creek, WI, the average last spring frost is around Apr 22 and the average first fall frost around Oct 26, for a growing season of about 184 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 8, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostApr 2250% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantMay 8only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostOct 2650% chance of frost before this date
Growing season184 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the South Milwaukee Wwtp, WI weather station, 3 miles away, elevation 650 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.

Frost probability by date

Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.

ChanceLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10%May 8Oct 10
20%May 1Oct 16
30%Apr 29Oct 20
40%Apr 25Oct 24
50%Apr 22Oct 26
60%Apr 19Oct 28
70%Apr 16Oct 31
80%Apr 13Nov 3
90%Apr 9Nov 8

Light frost vs. hard freeze

Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.

TemperatureLast in springFirst in fall
Light frost (36°F)May 5Oct 16
Frost / freeze (32°F)Apr 22Oct 26
Hard freeze (28°F)Apr 9Nov 5

Planting calendar for Oak Creek

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Feb 25 – Mar 11
Transplant Apr 29 – May 13
Peppers
Indoors Feb 11 – Feb 25
Transplant May 6 – May 20
Eggplant
Indoors Feb 11 – Feb 25
Transplant May 6 – May 20
Basil
Indoors Mar 11 – Mar 25
Transplant Apr 29 – May 13
Cucumbers
Indoors Mar 25 – Apr 1
Sow or transplant Apr 29 – May 13
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Mar 25 – Apr 1
Sow or transplant Apr 29 – May 13
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow Apr 29 – May 13
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Mar 25 – Apr 1
Sow or transplant May 6 – May 20
Green beans
Sow Apr 29 – May 13
Sweet corn
Sow Apr 29 – May 13
Lettuce
Indoors Mar 11 – Mar 25
Sow or transplant Mar 25 – Apr 8
Fall sowing Aug 31 – Sep 28
Spinach
Sow Mar 11 – Apr 1
Fall sowing Aug 31 – Sep 21
Peas
Sow Mar 11 – Mar 25
Fall sowing Aug 17 – Aug 31
Kale
Indoors Feb 25 – Mar 11
Sow or transplant Mar 25 – Apr 8
Fall sowing Aug 17 – Sep 14
Broccoli
Indoors Feb 25 – Mar 11
Transplant Apr 8 – Apr 22
Fall sowing Aug 3 – Aug 17
Cabbage
Indoors Feb 25 – Mar 11
Transplant Apr 1 – Apr 15
Fall sowing Aug 3 – Aug 17
Carrots
Sow Apr 1 – Apr 22
Fall sowing Aug 3 – Aug 17
Radishes
Sow Mar 18 – Apr 8
Fall sowing Sep 14 – Oct 5
Beets
Sow Apr 1 – Apr 22
Fall sowing Aug 17 – Aug 31
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Jan 28 – Feb 11
Plant Mar 25 – Apr 8
Potatoes
Plant Apr 1 – Apr 15
Garlic
Plant Oct 26 – Nov 23

Based on the average last frost (Apr 22) and first frost (Oct 26). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

Nearby cities

CaledoniaFranklinGreenfieldWest AllisRacineMount PleasantMuskegoMilwaukeeAll Wisconsin towns