Big Sky, MT frost dates

Gardening where frost is possible all year

The weather station nearest Big Sky, MT records freezing temperatures in every month often enough that NOAA cannot define a frost-free season. Gardening is still possible — it just means planning for frost at any time:

• Grow fast, cold-tolerant crops: Radishes, Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Peas, Potatoes, Swiss Chard, Garlic.
• Plant once the soil can be worked — usually late spring to early summer at high elevation — and keep row covers ready for clear, still nights.
• Use season extension: cold frames, low tunnels, wall-of-water cloches or a greenhouse turn a few frost-free weeks into a real season.
• Frost-tender crops (tomatoes, squash, beans) need protection all season; choose the earliest varieties you can find.

About these dates

Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Big Sky 2wnw, MT weather station, 3 km away (elevation 6,591 ft (2,009 m)).

Frost dates near Big Sky

• Gallatin Gateway frost any month
• Ennis Jun 16 · Sep 4
• Cameron Jun 16 · Sep 4
• Mc Allister Jun 16 · Sep 4
• Norris Apr 30 · Oct 10
• Emigrant May 21 · Sep 27
• Virginia City Jun 4 · Sep 18
• Bozeman May 26 · Sep 22
• Pray May 19 · Sep 25
• Alder frost any month

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Big Sky, MT?

Big Sky, MT can freeze in any month, so there is no reliable last frost date. The nearest NOAA station averages 257 nights a year at or below 32°F.

What can I grow in Big Sky, MT?

Fast, cold-tolerant crops such as radishes, lettuce, spinach, kale, peas and potatoes, ideally under row covers, cold frames or a greenhouse. Frost-tender crops like tomatoes need protection all season.