Frost Dates for Wausau, WI
In Wausau, WI, the average last spring frost is around May 6 and the average first fall frost around Oct 4, for a growing season of about 150 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 21, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.
Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Wausau Dwtn Airport, WI weather station, 3 miles away, elevation 1,181 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.
| Chance | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | May 21 | Sep 21 |
| 20% | May 17 | Sep 26 |
| 30% | May 12 | Sep 29 |
| 40% | May 8 | Oct 1 |
| 50% | May 6 | Oct 4 |
| 60% | May 4 | Oct 6 |
| 70% | May 1 | Oct 9 |
| 80% | Apr 28 | Oct 12 |
| 90% | Apr 24 | Oct 18 |
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.
| Temperature | Last in spring | First in fall |
|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | May 19 | Sep 25 |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | May 6 | Oct 4 |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Apr 26 | Oct 16 |
Planting calendar for Wausau
Transplant May 13 – May 27
Transplant May 20 – Jun 3
Transplant May 20 – Jun 3
Transplant May 13 – May 27
Sow or transplant May 13 – May 27
Sow or transplant May 13 – May 27
Sow or transplant May 20 – Jun 3
Sow or transplant Apr 8 – Apr 22
Fall sowing Aug 9 – Sep 6
Fall sowing Aug 9 – Aug 30
Fall sowing Jul 26 – Aug 9
Sow or transplant Apr 8 – Apr 22
Fall sowing Jul 26 – Aug 23
Transplant Apr 22 – May 6
Fall sowing Jul 12 – Jul 26
Transplant Apr 15 – Apr 29
Fall sowing Jul 12 – Jul 26
Fall sowing Jul 12 – Jul 26
Fall sowing Aug 23 – Sep 13
Fall sowing Jul 26 – Aug 9
Plant Apr 8 – Apr 22
Based on the average last frost (May 6) and first frost (Oct 4). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.