Last spring frost
May 30
Frost Dates for Sage Creek Colony, MT
First fall frost
Sep 11
Growing season
103 days
Hardiness zone
4a
In an average year around Sage Creek Colony, MT, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 30 and the first fall frost is about Sep 11, giving roughly a 103-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 17 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) | Jun 15 | May 30 | May 17 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 29 | May 16 | May 5 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 15 | May 4 | Apr 21 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32°F | Jun 15 | Jun 8 | Jun 4 | Jun 1 | May 30 | May 27 | May 25 | May 22 | May 17 |
| 28°F | May 29 | May 25 | May 21 | May 19 | May 16 | May 14 | May 12 | May 9 | May 5 |
| 24°F | May 15 | May 12 | May 9 | May 6 | May 4 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 21 |
| 20°F | May 6 | May 2 | Apr 29 | Apr 25 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 | Apr 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 8 |
| 16°F | Apr 29 | Apr 23 | Apr 18 | Apr 13 | Apr 11 | Apr 8 | Apr 4 | Apr 2 | Mar 28 |
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 27 | Sep 11 | Sep 24 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 8 | Sep 23 | Oct 4 |
| Severe (24°F) | Sep 19 | Oct 1 | Oct 13 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32°F | Aug 27 | Sep 2 | Sep 5 | Sep 8 | Sep 11 | Sep 15 | Sep 17 | Sep 21 | Sep 24 |
| 28°F | Sep 8 | Sep 13 | Sep 17 | Sep 20 | Sep 23 | Sep 25 | Sep 28 | Oct 1 | Oct 4 |
| 24°F | Sep 19 | Sep 24 | Sep 27 | Sep 30 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 5 | Oct 9 | Oct 13 |
| 20°F | Sep 27 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 8 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 21 |
| 16°F | Oct 1 | Oct 6 | Oct 10 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 19 | Oct 22 | Oct 26 | Oct 30 |
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: Rudyard 21 N, Mt, about 10.5 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 3,000 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 Sage Creek Colony, MT?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Sage Creek Colony, MT is about May 30. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 17.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Sage Creek Colony, MT typically arrives about Sep 11. 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 30 on average, or May 17 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 103 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 59531 Planting calendar → Montana frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026