Last spring frost
May 17
Frost Dates for Paradise, MT
First fall frost
Sep 23
Growing season
125 days
Hardiness zone
6a
In an average year around Paradise, MT, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 17 and the first fall frost is about Sep 23, giving roughly a 125-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 1 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) | Jul 3 | Jun 5 | May 20 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 8 | May 17 | May 1 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 19 | May 1 | Apr 16 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 4 | Apr 13 | Mar 25 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jul 3 | Jun 25 | Jun 18 | Jun 11 | Jun 5 | Jun 2 | May 29 | May 25 | May 20 |
| 32°F | Jun 8 | May 30 | May 25 | May 20 | May 17 | May 13 | May 10 | May 6 | May 1 |
| 28°F | May 19 | May 11 | May 7 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 22 | Apr 16 |
| 24°F | May 4 | Apr 28 | Apr 23 | Apr 18 | Apr 13 | Apr 9 | Apr 4 | Mar 31 | Mar 25 |
| 20°F | Apr 18 | Apr 7 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 22 | Mar 16 | Mar 12 | Mar 8 | Mar 3 |
| 16°F | Mar 25 | Mar 17 | Mar 12 | Mar 9 | Mar 6 | Mar 3 | Feb 28 | Feb 23 | Feb 17 |
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 24 | Sep 9 | Sep 25 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 6 | Sep 23 | Oct 7 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 20 | Oct 6 | Oct 24 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 4 | Oct 23 | Nov 10 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Aug 24 | Aug 31 | Sep 3 | Sep 6 | Sep 9 | Sep 12 | Sep 15 | Sep 19 | Sep 25 |
| 32°F | Sep 6 | Sep 11 | Sep 15 | Sep 20 | Sep 23 | Sep 26 | Sep 29 | Oct 2 | Oct 7 |
| 28°F | Sep 20 | Sep 27 | Oct 1 | Oct 3 | Oct 6 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 18 | Oct 24 |
| 24°F | Oct 4 | Oct 9 | Oct 15 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 28 | Oct 31 | Nov 3 | Nov 10 |
| 20°F | Oct 18 | Oct 25 | Oct 30 | Nov 2 | Nov 5 | Nov 9 | Nov 13 | Nov 18 | Nov 23 |
| 16°F | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 8 | Nov 12 | Nov 17 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Nov 30 | Dec 7 |
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: Superior, Mt, about 14.8 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 2,710 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 Paradise, MT?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Paradise, MT is about May 17. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 1.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Paradise, 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 17 on average, or May 1 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 125 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 59856 Planting calendar → Montana frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026