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Soil Temperature in Wisconsin

The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Wisconsin is 60°F, based on 3 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 54°F to 64°F. Last updated May 18, 2026.

Current Planting Conditions

Prime cool-season planting conditions in Wisconsin with soil averaging 60°F at 2 inches. The spring fertilizer and overseeding window is active. This is the ideal range for tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass establishment.

Monitoring Stations in Wisconsin (3)

Station2" TempLast Reading
Wabeno #1 (Forest)54°F2026-05-18
UW Platteville (Lafayette)62°F2026-05-18
Necedah 5 WNW64°F2026-05-18

Cities in Wisconsin (33)

Cities in Wisconsin with current soil temperature readings
CityZIPCurrent TempDistance from state center
Appleton54911—82 mi
Beloit53511—150 mi
Brookfield53005—143 mi
Chippewa Falls54729—72 mi
Dodgeville53533—115 mi
Eau Claire54701—74 mi
Fond Du Lac54935—97 mi
Green Bay54301—98 mi
Iola54945—43 mi
Janesville53545—139 mi
Kenosha53140—177 mi
La Crosse54601—83 mi
Madison53701—111 mi
Manitowoc54220—120 mi
Marshfield54404—9 mi
Menomonee Falls53051—138 mi
Milwaukee53201—151 mi
Neenah54956—81 mi
New Berlin53146—146 mi
New Holstein53061—105 mi
Oshkosh54901—83 mi
Racine53401—175 mi
Randolph53956—90 mi
Reedsburg53958—85 mi
Sheboygan53081—128 mi
Silver Lake53170—170 mi
Stevens Point54481—23 mi
Sun Prairie53590—106 mi
Watertown53094—118 mi
Waukesha53186—143 mi
Wausau54401—27 mi
West Bend53090—121 mi
Wisconsin Rapids54494—20 mi

Soil Temperature FAQ for Wisconsin

What is the current soil temperature in Wisconsin?

The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Wisconsin is 60°F, based on 3 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 54°F to 64°F depending on location and elevation.

When should I apply pre-emergent in Wisconsin?

Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil at 2 inches reaches 55°F for several consecutive days. Timing varies across Wisconsin, so check your city's page for station-specific readings and the pre-emergent timing recommendation.

When can I plant grass seed in Wisconsin?

Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass) can be seeded when soil holds between 50 and 65°F. Warm-season grasses (bermuda, zoysia) need soil above 65°F. Timing varies by location, so check your city's planting window for the dates specific to your area.