Last spring frost
May 21
Frost Dates for Bainville, MT
First fall frost
Sep 20
Growing season
120 days
Hardiness zone
4a
In an average year around Bainville, MT, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 21 and the first fall frost is about Sep 20, giving roughly a 120-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 8 before setting out tender plants.
Last spring frost
Dates the last frost of spring typically ends. Plant tender crops after the risk has passed for your comfort level.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Jun 16 | May 31 | May 19 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 3 | May 21 | May 8 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 24 | May 10 | Apr 29 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 15 | Apr 30 | Apr 15 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 16 | Jun 10 | Jun 4 | Jun 2 | May 31 | May 28 | May 25 | May 22 | May 19 |
| 32°F | Jun 3 | May 29 | May 26 | May 24 | May 21 | May 18 | May 16 | May 12 | May 8 |
| 28°F | May 24 | May 19 | May 16 | May 13 | May 10 | May 7 | May 5 | May 3 | Apr 29 |
| 24°F | May 15 | May 9 | May 5 | May 3 | Apr 30 | Apr 28 | Apr 25 | Apr 21 | Apr 15 |
| 20°F | May 5 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 9 | Apr 4 |
| 16°F | Apr 25 | Apr 20 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 30 | Mar 23 |
First fall frost
Dates the first frost of fall typically arrives. Count back by a crop's days-to-maturity to know your planting cutoff.
| Frost intensity | Early (10%) | Average (50%) | Late (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (36°F) | Aug 30 | Sep 10 | Sep 21 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 6 | Sep 20 | Sep 30 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 13 | Sep 27 | Oct 11 |
| Severe (24°F) | Sep 22 | Oct 6 | Oct 21 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Aug 30 | Sep 2 | Sep 5 | Sep 7 | Sep 10 | Sep 13 | Sep 15 | Sep 18 | Sep 21 |
| 32°F | Sep 6 | Sep 10 | Sep 14 | Sep 17 | Sep 20 | Sep 22 | Sep 24 | Sep 26 | Sep 30 |
| 28°F | Sep 13 | Sep 19 | Sep 22 | Sep 25 | Sep 27 | Sep 30 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 11 |
| 24°F | Sep 22 | Sep 27 | Sep 30 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 10 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 21 |
| 20°F | Oct 1 | Oct 6 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 |
| 16°F | Oct 11 | Oct 15 | Oct 20 | Oct 23 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 9 |
Growing season is measured at 32°F with about 50% probability. Hardiness zone from the 2023 USDA map; frost normals from NOAA 1991-2020.
Where this data comes from
@endif These dates are computed from the nearest official weather station with long-term records: Culbertson, Mt, about 17.6 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 1,940 ft elevation. The further the station and the greater the elevation difference from your yard, the more your local frost timing can vary.
How we calculate these dates
Frost and freeze dates come from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 30-year averages for each weather station. A date shown at the 50% level is the median: in half of years the frost falls on or before it. The 10% and 90% columns show the early and late ends of the range, so you can plant on the odds you're comfortable with. These are long-term averages, not a forecast for this year - always check your local outlook before planting.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 Climate Normals (public domain). Harman is not affiliated with or endorsed by NOAA.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Bainville, MT?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Bainville, MT is about May 21. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 8.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Bainville, MT typically arrives about Sep 20. Count back by a crop's days to maturity to find the latest date you can plant it.
When can I plant tomatoes and other tender crops?
Tender crops like tomatoes, peppers and basil are damaged by frost, so wait until the last spring frost has passed - around May 21 on average, or May 8 to be safe most years.
How long is the growing season here?
The frost-free growing season (between the last spring and first fall 32°F frost) is about 120 days in a typical year.
Are these dates a forecast for this year?
No. They are 30-year averages from the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals, not a prediction for the current year. Use them for planning and always check your local weather forecast before planting or protecting crops.
Local weather for 59212 Planting calendar → Montana frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026