Frost Dates for Milwaukee, WI 53215

Last spring frost April 25 · First fall frost October 19 · 177 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6a

Frost probability for 53215

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)May 10April 25April 10
Fall (first frost)October 1October 19November 5

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (6.0 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Milwaukee, WI

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
53215April 25October 196a
53209April 25October 196a
53218April 27October 146a
53204April 25October 196a
53221April 25October 196a
53219April 25October 195b
53214April 25October 195b
53207April 25October 196a
53211April 25October 196a
53216April 25October 196a
53217April 25October 196a
53212April 25October 196a
53223April 27October 146a
53220April 25October 195b
53208April 25October 196a
53213April 25October 195b
53202April 25October 196a
53225April 27October 145b
53222April 27October 145b
53210April 25October 196a
53227April 25October 195b
53224April 27October 145b
53206April 25October 196a
53226April 25October 195b
53228April 25October 195b
53233April 25October 196a
53205April 25October 196a
53203April 25October 196a
53295April 25October 196a

Month by month in Milwaukee

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryPlan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates.
FebruaryStart peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around April 25). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost.
MarchStart herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable.
AprilLast frost around April 25. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings.
MayFrost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini.
JuneSuccession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently.
JulyHarvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease.
AugustMidsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall.
SeptemberFirst fall frost approaching (around October 19). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
OctoberFirst frost around October 19. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season.
NovemberHarvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year.
DecemberClean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden.

What grows in a 177-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Milwaukee, WI (ZIP 53215)?

The median last spring frost date for Milwaukee, WI (ZIP code 53215) is around April 25. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area.

What is the first fall frost date in Milwaukee, WI?

The median first fall frost date for Milwaukee, WI is around October 19. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses.

How long is the growing season in Milwaukee, WI?

The frost-free growing season in Milwaukee is about 177 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side.

What USDA hardiness zone is Milwaukee, WI?

Based on frost date patterns, Milwaukee falls approximately in 6a. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.

When should I start tomatoes indoors in Milwaukee, WI?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around April 25). For Milwaukee, that's roughly February 29 to March 14. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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