🍂 2026 First Frost Dates for Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53215
The first 36°F frost date is 30% likely to be on Oct 5. (See detailed probabilities below.)
The first 32°F light freeze date is 30% likely to be on Oct 16. (See detailed probabilities below.)
(See also 🌷 Last Spring Frost Dates.)
First frost date probabilities for Milwaukee, WI are based on historical climate data.
Always check your local forecast for the most up-to-date frost warnings.
Book Recommendations (ads!)
📚 Growing Under Cover: Techniques for a More Productive, Weather-Resistant, Pest-Free Vegetable Garden
What is a First Frost Date?
The first fall frost signals the end of your local growing season. This date serves as an important deadline for gardeners and farmers. You'll need to complete harvesting before this point. Annuals and other tender plants will die back when frost hits, and perennial plants will enter their dormant phase for winter. Meanwhile, it's time to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and a cozy sweater—and start planning your spring garden!
How to use the First Frost Date?
Watch your local weather forecasts in early fall to predict the first frost date. Harvest tender crops and protect vulnerable plants before frost arrives. For late-summer plantings, count backward from your area's average first frost date. This ensures your crops have enough time to mature. Keep track of when frost actually occurs in your garden each year. This helps you identify protected spots where the growing season might last longer.
First Frost Date Probabilities
| Probability of frost (36°F) on or before... | |
|---|---|
| 10% chance | Sep 29 |
| 20% chance | Oct 2 |
| 30% chance | Oct 5 |
| 40% chance | Oct 8 |
| 50% chance | Oct 10 |
| 60% chance | Oct 13 |
| 70% chance | Oct 16 |
| 80% chance | Oct 19 |
| 90% chance | Oct 24 |
| Probability of light freeze (32°F) on or before... | |
|---|---|
| 10% chance | Oct 7 |
| 20% chance | Oct 12 |
| 30% chance | Oct 16 |
| 40% chance | Oct 19 |
| 50% chance | Oct 22 |
| 60% chance | Oct 25 |
| 70% chance | Oct 28 |
| 80% chance | Oct 31 |
| 90% chance | Nov 3 |
| Probability of moderate freeze (28°F) on or before... | |
|---|---|
| 10% chance | Oct 19 |
| 20% chance | Oct 24 |
| 30% chance | Oct 28 |
| 40% chance | Oct 31 |
| 50% chance | Nov 1 |
| 60% chance | Nov 4 |
| 70% chance | Nov 7 |
| 80% chance | Nov 10 |
| 90% chance | Nov 14 |
| Probability of moderate hard freeze (24°F) on or before... | |
|---|---|
| 10% chance | Nov 1 |
| 20% chance | Nov 3 |
| 30% chance | Nov 6 |
| 40% chance | Nov 9 |
| 50% chance | Nov 11 |
| 60% chance | Nov 14 |
| 70% chance | Nov 17 |
| 80% chance | Nov 20 |
| 90% chance | Nov 25 |
| Probability of hard freeze (20°F) on or before... | |
|---|---|
| 10% chance | Nov 7 |
| 20% chance | Nov 12 |
| 30% chance | Nov 15 |
| 40% chance | Nov 18 |
| 50% chance | Nov 20 |
| 60% chance | Nov 23 |
| 70% chance | Nov 26 |
| 80% chance | Nov 30 |
| 90% chance | Dec 5 |
| Probability of severe hard freeze (16°F) on or before... | |
|---|---|
| 10% chance | Nov 13 |
| 20% chance | Nov 18 |
| 30% chance | Nov 22 |
| 40% chance | Nov 26 |
| 50% chance | Nov 29 |
| 60% chance | Dec 1 |
| 70% chance | Dec 4 |
| 80% chance | Dec 9 |
| 90% chance | Dec 15 |
Agricultural climatic data from weather station: WEST ALLIS (USC00479046:frost)