Marion, MT frost dates

Gardening where frost is possible all year

The weather station nearest Marion, 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 Libby 32 Sse, MT weather station, 38 km away (elevation 3,442 ft (1,049 m)).

Frost dates near Marion

• Kila May 12 · Sep 25
• Proctor May 1 · Oct 15
• Kalispell May 31 · Sep 10
• Somers May 12 · Sep 25
• Lakeside May 12 · Sep 25
• Lonepine May 15 · Sep 28
• Elmo May 15 · Sep 28
• Dayton May 1 · Oct 15
• Rollins May 1 · Oct 15
• Whitefish May 16 · Sep 25

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Marion, MT?

Marion, MT can freeze in any month, so there is no reliable last frost date. The nearest NOAA station averages 239 nights a year at or below 32°F.

What can I grow in Marion, 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.