Last spring frost
May 15
Frost Dates for Fort Benton, MT
First fall frost
Sep 22
Growing season
129 days
Hardiness zone
4a
In an average year around Fort Benton, MT, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 15 and the first fall frost is about Sep 22, giving roughly a 129-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 3 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 13 | May 28 | May 15 |
| Freeze (32°F) | May 30 | May 15 | May 3 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 14 | May 4 | Apr 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 6 | Apr 23 | Apr 7 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 13 | Jun 7 | Jun 2 | May 31 | May 28 | May 26 | May 23 | May 19 | May 15 |
| 32°F | May 30 | May 24 | May 20 | May 17 | May 15 | May 12 | May 10 | May 7 | May 3 |
| 28°F | May 14 | May 11 | May 8 | May 6 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 30 | Apr 26 | Apr 21 |
| 24°F | May 6 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 16 | Apr 13 | Apr 7 |
| 20°F | Apr 30 | Apr 24 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 29 |
| 16°F | Apr 20 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 5 | Apr 2 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 21 | Mar 15 |
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 12 | Sep 25 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 7 | Sep 22 | Oct 4 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 18 | Oct 1 | Oct 14 |
| Severe (24°F) | Sep 27 | Oct 10 | Oct 24 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Aug 30 | Sep 4 | Sep 7 | Sep 10 | Sep 12 | Sep 15 | Sep 18 | Sep 21 | Sep 25 |
| 32°F | Sep 7 | Sep 14 | Sep 17 | Sep 20 | Sep 22 | Sep 25 | Sep 27 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 |
| 28°F | Sep 18 | Sep 23 | Sep 26 | Sep 29 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 7 | Oct 10 | Oct 14 |
| 24°F | Sep 27 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 10 | Oct 13 | Oct 16 | Oct 19 | Oct 24 |
| 20°F | Oct 3 | Oct 8 | Oct 12 | Oct 15 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 2 |
| 16°F | Oct 10 | Oct 17 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 8 | Nov 14 |
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: Ft Benton, Mt, about 6.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,649 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 Fort Benton, MT?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Fort Benton, MT is about May 15. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 3.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Fort Benton, MT typically arrives about Sep 22. 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 15 on average, or May 3 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 129 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 59442 Planting calendar → Montana frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026