Belgrade, MT frost dates
How Belgrade compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Belgrade falls between May 11 and June 12, a 32-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 2 and September 29.
- The median last frost is 7 days later than the Montana median of May 19.
- Its 113-day growing season is longer than 25% of the 325 Montana places with a regular frost season (state median 125 days).
- The last frost is 23 days later than the zone 5a median of May 3. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 5a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 198 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 11 |
| 50% (median) | May 26 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | June 12 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 2 |
| 50% (median) | September 16 |
| 90% (late) | September 29 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Belgrade, MT
Belgrade, MT frost dates — last frost May 26, first frost Sep 16, zone 5a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Belgrade, MT
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | Apr 28 – May 12 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | Jun 9 – Jun 23 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 17 – Mar 31 | Jun 9 – Jun 23 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Jun 2 – Jun 16 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | May 5 – May 19 | Apr 28 – Jun 2 | Jul 22 – Aug 19 |
| Kale | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Apr 28 – May 12 | Apr 28 – May 12 | Jul 8 – Jul 29 |
| Broccoli | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | May 12 – May 26 | — | Jun 10 – Jul 1 |
| Cabbage | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | May 5 – May 19 | — | Jun 10 – Jul 1 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | May 12 – May 26 | — | Jun 10 – Jul 1 |
| Okra | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | Jun 16 – Jun 30 | Jun 16 – Jun 30 | — |
| Basil | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | Jun 2 – Jun 16 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 14 – May 5 | Jun 24 – Jul 15 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 14 – May 5 | Jul 22 – Aug 12 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 21 – Jun 2 | Aug 5 – Aug 26 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 28 – May 5 | Jun 9 – Jun 16 | Jun 2 – Jun 16 | Jul 1 – Jul 15 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 28 – May 5 | — | Jun 2 – Jun 16 | Jul 8 – Jul 22 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins Warning: Your frost-free season is about 113 days, which is tight for winter squash & pumpkins (100+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | Apr 28 – May 5 | — | Jun 2 – Jun 16 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 28 – May 5 | Jun 9 – Jun 23 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | May 5 – Jun 2 | Jun 24 – Jul 8 |
| Beets | — | — | May 5 – Jun 2 | Jul 8 – Jul 22 |
| Potatoes | — | — | May 5 – May 26 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | May 12 – Jun 9 | Jul 8 – Jul 22 |
| Cilantro | — | — | May 12 – Jun 2 | Jul 22 – Aug 12 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Jun 2 – Jun 23 | — |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Jun 2 – Jun 16 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes Warning: Your frost-free season is about 113 days, which is tight for sweet potatoes (100+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | — | Jun 9 – Jun 30 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 2 – Oct 7 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Bozeman Gallatin Fld, MT weather station, 2 km away (elevation 4,426 ft (1,349 m)).
Frost dates near Belgrade
- Manhattan May 26 · Sep 15
- Bozeman May 26 · Sep 22
- Three Forks May 9 · Sep 27
- Willow Creek May 26 · Sep 15
- Clyde Park Jun 4 · Sep 6
- Wilsall Jun 4 · Sep 6
- Livingston May 27 · Sep 14
- Gallatin Gateway frost any month
- Norris Apr 30 · Oct 10
- Cardwell May 9 · Sep 27
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Belgrade, MT?
The median last spring frost in Belgrade, MT is May 26. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after June 12, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Belgrade, MT?
The median first fall frost is September 16, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 2.
How long is the growing season in Belgrade, MT?
About 113 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Belgrade, MT?
Belgrade, MT is in USDA hardiness zone 5a.