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🍂 First Frost Dates for Waukegan, Illinois 60087

The first 36°F frost date is 30% likely to be on Oct 2. (See detailed probabilities below.)

The first 32°F light freeze date is 30% likely to be on Oct 13. (See detailed probabilities below.)

(See also 🌷 Last Spring Frost Dates.)

First frost date probabilities for Waukegan, IL are based on historical climate data.

Always check your local forecast for the most up-to-date frost warnings.

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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% chanceSep 25
20% chanceSep 29
30% chanceOct 2
40% chanceOct 5
50% chanceOct 7
60% chanceOct 10
70% chanceOct 13
80% chanceOct 16
90% chanceOct 21
Probability of light freeze (32°F) on or before...
10% chanceOct 3
20% chanceOct 9
30% chanceOct 13
40% chanceOct 16
50% chanceOct 19
60% chanceOct 22
70% chanceOct 25
80% chanceOct 28
90% chanceNov 2
Probability of moderate freeze (28°F) on or before...
10% chanceOct 14
20% chanceOct 20
30% chanceOct 25
40% chanceOct 28
50% chanceOct 31
60% chanceNov 2
70% chanceNov 5
80% chanceNov 9
90% chanceNov 13
Probability of moderate hard freeze (24°F) on or before...
10% chanceOct 28
20% chanceNov 1
30% chanceNov 4
40% chanceNov 8
50% chanceNov 11
60% chanceNov 13
70% chanceNov 16
80% chanceNov 20
90% chanceNov 24
Probability of hard freeze (20°F) on or before...
10% chanceNov 6
20% chanceNov 11
30% chanceNov 16
40% chanceNov 19
50% chanceNov 22
60% chanceNov 25
70% chanceNov 27
80% chanceDec 1
90% chanceDec 6
Probability of severe hard freeze (16°F) on or before...
10% chanceNov 15
20% chanceNov 21
30% chanceNov 25
40% chanceNov 28
50% chanceDec 1
60% chanceDec 3
70% chanceDec 7
80% chanceDec 11
90% chanceDec 18

Agricultural climatic data from weather station: CHICAGO WAUKEGAN RGNL AP (USW00014880)

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