When to plant in Beaver Dam, WI
USDA Zone 5aHere are the average frost dates, USDA hardiness zone, and a month-by-month planting calendar for Beaver Dam, Wisconsin — all computed from Beaver Dam's nearest NOAA weather station.
In zone 5a, Beaver Dam gardeners can grow many hardy perennials, while the last and first frost still dictate the annual vegetable calendar.
Frost probability
BEAVER DAM WWTP · 1991–2020The date the last spring and first fall frost occur, by threshold and probability. A 90% date is later in spring — and earlier in fall — than a 10% date; the 50% · 32°F row is what most gardeners plan around. These are Beaver Dam’s own odds, recorded at BEAVER DAM WWTP.
| Threshold | SPRING 10% | SPRING 50% | SPRING 90% | FALL 10% | FALL 50% | FALL 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | May 27 | May 13 | Apr 30 | Sep 18 | Sep 29 | Oct 12 |
| 32°F | May 16 | May 2 | Apr 19 | Sep 25 | Oct 9 | Oct 23 |
| 28°F | May 6 | Apr 22 | Apr 7 | Oct 5 | Oct 20 | Nov 3 |
Download this table as CSV ↓ — every threshold and probability, plus this city’s planting-window dates.
What to plant now
TODAY · JULY 19Full-year planting calendar
Each bar is the exact window to take a planting action in Beaver Dam, drawn to the day from the local frost dates. The dashed line is today.
Nearby weather stations
3 within 16 km · complete 32°F normalsWhen stations disagree by more than a few days, that spread is real microclimate variation — elevation, water, urban heat. Judge which station best matches your own yard.
Beaver Dam planting FAQ
When is the last spring frost in Beaver Dam, WI?
On average, the last spring frost in Beaver Dam is around May 2 (50% probability at 32°F, from 1991–2020 NOAA normals). Wait until after this date to set out tender plants like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first fall frost in Beaver Dam, WI?
The first fall frost in Beaver Dam typically arrives around October 9 (50% probability at 32°F). Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops before then.
What hardiness zone is Beaver Dam in?
Beaver Dam is in USDA hardiness zone 5a. In zone 5a, winters are cold — pick cold-hardy varieties and protect tender crops.
How long is the growing season in Beaver Dam?
Beaver Dam has about 160 frost-free days — a moderate growing season — between the average last spring frost (May 2) and first fall frost (October 9).
When should I plant tomatoes in Beaver Dam?
For Beaver Dam, sow tomatoes indoors about March 7–March 21 and move the seedlings out around May 9, after the last spring frost.
Never miss a window in Beaver Dam
An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to Beaver Dam’s frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.
Nearby cities
8 within reach- Waupun · 19 km
- Watertown · 33 km
- Hartford · 40 km
- Fond du Lac · 45 km
- Sun Prairie · 46 km
- Oconomowoc · 50 km
- DeForest · 50 km
- Portage · 52 km
Frost dates recorded at BEAVER DAM WWTP, 4 km from the city center · 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals · zone from the USDA/PRISM 2023 map. How we compute this.
BlissGarden. "When to Plant in Beaver Dam, WI — Frost Dates & Zone 5a." Frost normals: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station USC00470645. Retrieved from https://blissgarden.com/wisconsin/beaver-dam.