Frost Dates: First and last frost dates for Watertown, WI

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the spring

As spring unfolds, the risk of frost gradually decreases each day until your tender plants are finally safe. The probabilities shown in the chart help you make smart decisions about when to plant.

While frost typically forms at 32°F, tender plants can be damaged even when temperatures are slightly higher. Air temperatures are often measured several feet above the ground, but temperatures at plant level can be several degrees colder. Protected areas like porches help by blocking radiational cooling. Given these variables, we consider 36°F the "caution zone" for frost-sensitive plants.

Key dates for your spring planting:

  • By June 1, you have a 90% chance of being frost-free — this is your "safe date" for planting tender crops
  • Around May 13, there's a 50/50 chance of frost — check weather forecasts carefully if planting now
  • Before May 1, there's still an 80% risk of frost — too early for tomatoes and other tender plants unless you're prepared to protect them

If the 10-day forecast shows no temperatures below 40°F, you might safely plant earlier than the above dates suggest. Many gardeners watch for this weather window to get a head start on the growing season.

In the Spring
Temperature 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
Last 16° Apr 5 Mar 31 Mar 27 Mar 23 Mar 20 Mar 17 Mar 13 Mar 9 Mar 4
Last 20° Apr 12 Apr 7 Apr 4 Apr 1 Mar 29 Mar 26 Mar 23 Mar 19 Mar 14
Last 24° Apr 18 Apr 15 Apr 12 Apr 10 Apr 8 Apr 5 Apr 3 Apr 1 Mar 28
Last 28° May 1 Apr 27 Apr 23 Apr 20 Apr 18 Apr 15 Apr 12 Apr 8 Apr 4
Last 32° May 14 May 9 May 5 May 2 Apr 29 Apr 26 Apr 23 Apr 19 Apr 14
Last 36° Jun 1 May 26 May 21 May 17 May 13 May 9 May 5 May 1 Apr 24

ℹ️ How to read these charts for the fall

As summer ends in Watertown, WI, nighttime temperatures begin to drop, and your risk of frost increases with each passing day. Knowing when to expect frost helps you harvest sensitive crops and extend your growing season with protection methods.

The chart below shows the probability of experiencing specific temperatures on various dates. Here's what this means for your garden:

1
Early warning: Around September 29, there's a 20% chance of 32°F — start monitoring forecasts and have plant covers ready
2
Decision time: By October 6, there's a 50% chance of frost — harvest tomatoes, peppers, and other tender crops or prepare protection
3
Last chance: By October 13, there's an 80% chance of seeing 32°F — most tender plants will be damaged without protection
4
Another perspective: You have only a 1 in 5 chance of making it past October 13 without a freezing night

These probabilities help you time your end-of-season harvests and know when to apply protective measures like row covers, cloches, or cold frames to extend your harvest.

In the Fall
Temperature 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
First 16° Nov 4 Nov 10 Nov 15 Nov 18 Nov 22 Nov 25 Nov 29 Dec 3 Dec 9
First 20° Oct 24 Oct 30 Nov 3 Nov 7 Nov 10 Nov 13 Nov 17 Nov 21 Nov 26
First 24° Oct 16 Oct 21 Oct 25 Oct 29 Nov 1 Nov 4 Nov 7 Nov 11 Nov 17
First 28° Oct 3 Oct 8 Oct 13 Oct 16 Oct 20 Oct 23 Oct 27 Oct 31 Nov 6
First 32° Sep 25 Sep 29 Oct 1 Oct 4 Oct 6 Oct 8 Oct 11 Oct 13 Oct 17
First 36° Sep 17 Sep 21 Sep 24 Sep 26 Sep 28 Sep 30 Oct 2 Oct 5 Oct 8

📍 Frost Dates for other nearby locations

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Data is provided by the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.