Last spring frost
May 20
Frost Dates for Ekalaka, MT
First fall frost
Sep 23
Growing season
126 days
Hardiness zone
4b
In an average year around Ekalaka, MT, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 20 and the first fall frost is about Sep 23, giving roughly a 126-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 7 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 21 | May 31 | May 19 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 1 | May 20 | May 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 23 | May 10 | Apr 27 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 14 | Apr 29 | Apr 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 21 | Jun 14 | Jun 8 | Jun 4 | May 31 | May 29 | May 26 | May 24 | May 19 |
| 32°F | Jun 1 | May 28 | May 25 | May 23 | May 20 | May 17 | May 14 | May 11 | May 7 |
| 28°F | May 23 | May 18 | May 15 | May 13 | May 10 | May 7 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 27 |
| 24°F | May 14 | May 9 | May 5 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 13 |
| 20°F | May 4 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 | Apr 11 | Apr 6 | Mar 31 |
| 16°F | Apr 22 | Apr 18 | Apr 14 | Apr 10 | Apr 7 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 19 |
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 28 | Sep 13 | Sep 28 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 7 | Sep 23 | Oct 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 17 | Oct 2 | Oct 17 |
| Severe (24°F) | Sep 25 | Oct 12 | Oct 25 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Aug 28 | Sep 2 | Sep 7 | Sep 10 | Sep 13 | Sep 16 | Sep 20 | Sep 23 | Sep 28 |
| 32°F | Sep 7 | Sep 12 | Sep 17 | Sep 21 | Sep 23 | Sep 26 | Sep 29 | Oct 2 | Oct 7 |
| 28°F | Sep 17 | Sep 22 | Sep 26 | Sep 30 | Oct 2 | Oct 5 | Oct 8 | Oct 12 | Oct 17 |
| 24°F | Sep 25 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 8 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 25 |
| 20°F | Oct 3 | Oct 10 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 4 |
| 16°F | Oct 13 | Oct 18 | Oct 22 | Oct 25 | Oct 28 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 13 |
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: Ekalaka, Mt, about 8.2 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 3,432 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 Ekalaka, MT?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Ekalaka, MT is about May 20. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 7.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Ekalaka, MT typically arrives about Sep 23. 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 20 on average, or May 7 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 126 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 59324 Planting calendar → Montana frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026