Frost dates for La Crosse, Wisconsin
In a typical year, La Crosse’s last spring frost lands around Apr 23 and the first fall frost around Oct 17, a growing season of about 177 days. These are odds drawn from 30-year NOAA climate normals, not a promise. USDA zone 5a.
Right now the typical frost season has arrived; planting waits for spring.
| Odds | Last spring frost | First fall frost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 percent | Apr 9 | Oct 3 |
| 50 percent | Apr 23 | Oct 17 |
| 90 percent | May 6 | Nov 1 |
A 10 percent year is an early year, a 90 percent year a late one. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the 90 percent side of the last-frost band.
Soil in La Crosse is typically around 50°F at 4 inches this time of year, estimated from the last two weeks of normal air temperatures.
Plantable now in La Crosse
- Garlic (Music)
Timing comes from the same temperature engine the app uses, run against La Crosse’s normals for today.
Common questions
When is the last frost in La Crosse, Wisconsin?
La Crosse’s last spring frost falls around April 23 in a typical year. One year in ten it is done by April 9, and one year in ten frost holds on until May 6. Frost-sensitive planting usually waits for the late side of that band.
When is the first fall frost in La Crosse?
The first fall frost arrives around October 17 in a typical year, as early as October 3 in an early year and as late as November 1 in a late one.
How long is the growing season in La Crosse?
About 177 days, counted between the typical last spring frost and the typical first fall frost.
What USDA zone is La Crosse in?
La Crosse is in USDA hardiness zone 5a under the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Dates come from 30-year NOAA climate normals for the nearest reporting station. They describe odds, not a forecast.
Nearby cities
- Rochester, MN (around Apr 30 to Oct 6)
- Eau Claire, WI (around Apr 24 to Oct 14)
- Platteville, WI (around Apr 30 to Oct 13)
- Dubuque, IA (around Apr 19 to Oct 21)
- River Falls, WI (around May 11 to Oct 1)
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