Last spring frost
May 16
Frost Dates for Columbia Falls, MT
First fall frost
Sep 25
Growing season
129 days
Hardiness zone
5a
In an average year around Columbia Falls, MT, the last spring frost (32°F) is about May 16 and the first fall frost is about Sep 25, giving roughly a 129-day growing season. To be safe most years, wait until May 2 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 29 | Jun 7 | May 21 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Jun 6 | May 16 | May 2 |
| Hard (28°F) | May 14 | May 1 | Apr 19 |
| Severe (24°F) | May 1 | Apr 17 | Mar 31 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Jun 29 | Jun 19 | Jun 14 | Jun 10 | Jun 7 | Jun 3 | May 31 | May 26 | May 21 |
| 32°F | Jun 6 | May 30 | May 25 | May 20 | May 16 | May 13 | May 10 | May 7 | May 2 |
| 28°F | May 14 | May 9 | May 6 | May 4 | May 1 | Apr 29 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 19 |
| 24°F | May 1 | Apr 27 | Apr 23 | Apr 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 13 | Apr 8 | Apr 5 | Mar 31 |
| 20°F | Apr 18 | Apr 11 | Apr 7 | Apr 3 | Mar 31 | Mar 27 | Mar 23 | Mar 18 | Mar 13 |
| 16°F | Apr 5 | Mar 31 | Mar 26 | Mar 21 | Mar 17 | Mar 13 | Mar 9 | Mar 6 | Mar 2 |
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 10 | Sep 24 |
| Freeze (32°F) | Sep 8 | Sep 25 | Oct 8 |
| Hard (28°F) | Sep 24 | Oct 7 | Oct 21 |
| Severe (24°F) | Oct 3 | Oct 19 | Nov 5 |
Show full probability table (all thresholds & percentiles)
| °F | 10% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 70% | 80% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36°F | Aug 24 | Aug 31 | Sep 4 | Sep 7 | Sep 10 | Sep 13 | Sep 16 | Sep 20 | Sep 24 |
| 32°F | Sep 8 | Sep 15 | Sep 19 | Sep 22 | Sep 25 | Sep 27 | Sep 30 | Oct 3 | Oct 8 |
| 28°F | Sep 24 | Sep 29 | Oct 2 | Oct 4 | Oct 7 | Oct 11 | Oct 14 | Oct 17 | Oct 21 |
| 24°F | Oct 3 | Oct 8 | Oct 13 | Oct 17 | Oct 19 | Oct 23 | Oct 27 | Oct 31 | Nov 5 |
| 20°F | Oct 14 | Oct 20 | Oct 25 | Oct 29 | Nov 1 | Nov 4 | Nov 9 | Nov 14 | Nov 21 |
| 16°F | Oct 23 | Oct 30 | Nov 3 | Nov 7 | Nov 11 | Nov 16 | Nov 20 | Nov 24 | Dec 1 |
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: Whitefish, Mt, about 9 miles away@if(!empty($station['elevation_ft'])), at 3,100 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 Columbia Falls, MT?
On average, the last spring frost (32°F) around Columbia Falls, MT is about May 16. In cooler years it can run later, so for a safer bet many gardeners wait until May 2.
When is the first frost in the fall?
The first fall frost around Columbia Falls, MT typically arrives about Sep 25. 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 16 on average, or May 2 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 59912 Planting calendar → Montana frost dates →
Data source: NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals · Page updated Aug 4, 2026