Plains, MT frost dates

Gardening where frost is possible all year

The weather station nearest Plains, 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 Saint Regis 1 Ne, MT weather station, 24 km away (elevation 2,661 ft (811 m)).

Frost dates near Plains

• Paradise May 17 · Sep 23
• Hot Springs May 15 · Sep 28
• Saint Regis frost any month
• Lonepine May 15 · Sep 28
• Superior May 17 · Sep 23
• De Borgia frost any month
• Thompson Falls May 7 · Oct 4
• Haugan frost any month
• Saltese frost any month
• Dixon May 12 · Oct 2

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Plains, MT?

Plains, MT can freeze in any month, so there is no reliable last frost date. The nearest NOAA station averages 191 nights a year at or below 32°F.

What can I grow in Plains, 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.