West Yellowstone, MT frost dates

Gardening where frost is possible all year

The weather station nearest West Yellowstone, 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 W Yellowstone Gateway, MT weather station, about 1 km away (elevation 6,680 ft (2,036 m)).

Frost dates near West Yellowstone

• Gardiner May 21 · Sep 27
• Cameron Jun 16 · Sep 4
• Emigrant May 21 · Sep 27
• Big Sky frost any month
• Gallatin Gateway frost any month
• Pray May 19 · Sep 25
• Ennis Jun 16 · Sep 4
• Alder frost any month
• Silver Gate frost any month
• Virginia City Jun 4 · Sep 18

Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in West Yellowstone, MT?

West Yellowstone, MT can freeze in any month, so there is no reliable last frost date. The nearest NOAA station averages 274 nights a year at or below 32°F.

What can I grow in West Yellowstone, 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.