Last spring frost
Jun 15
Frost Dates for Utica, MT
First fall frost
Sep 4
Growing season
77 days
Hardiness zone
4b
In an average year around Utica, MT, the last spring frost (32°F) is about Jun 15 and the first fall frost is about Sep 4, giving roughly a 77-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 31 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%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freeze (32°F) | Jul 8 | Jun 15 | May 31 |
| Hard (28°F) | Jun 10 | May 25 | May 13 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 23 | May 11 | Apr 30 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32°F | Jul 8 | Jul 1 | Jun 25 | Jun 19 | Jun 15 | Jun 12 | Jun 8 | Jun 4 | May 31 |
| 28°F | Jun 10 | Jun 2 | May 30 | May 28 | May 25 | May 23 | May 20 | May 16 | May 13 |
| 24°F | May 23 | May 18 | May 15 | May 12 | May 11 | May 8 | May 6 | May 3 | Apr 30 |
| 20°F | May 11 | May 7 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 30 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 14 |
| 16°F | May 4 | Apr 29 | Apr 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 4 | Mar 30 |
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%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freeze (32°F) | Aug 19 | Sep 4 | Sep 18 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 2 | Sep 18 | Oct 1 |
| Severe (24°F) | Sep 13 | Sep 30 | Oct 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32°F | Aug 19 | Aug 26 | Aug 30 | Sep 2 | Sep 4 | Sep 7 | Sep 10 | Sep 14 | Sep 18 |
| 28°F | Sep 2 | Sep 8 | Sep 12 | Sep 15 | Sep 18 | Sep 20 | Sep 23 | Sep 26 | Oct 1 |
| 24°F | Sep 13 | Sep 20 | Sep 24 | Sep 27 | Sep 30 | Oct 2 | Oct 4 | Oct 8 | Oct 13 |
| 20°F | Sep 25 | Sep 30 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 9 | Oct 13 | Oct 17 | Oct 20 | Oct 25 |
| 16°F | Oct 1 | Oct 6 | Oct 11 | Oct 15 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 | Nov 4 |
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: Lewistown 42 Wsw, Mt, about 10.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 5,070 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 Utica, MT?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Utica, MT is about Jun 15. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 31.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Utica, MT typically arrives about Sep 4. 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 Jun 15 on average, or May 31 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 77 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 59452 Planting calendar → Montana frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026