Frost dates for 59808 — Missoula, MT
Last spring frostMay 6median date
First fall frostOct 4median date
Growing season151 daysfrost-free
Hardiness zone5bZone 5b
How Missoula compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Missoula falls between April 24 and May 19, a 25-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 23 and October 16.
- The median last frost is 13 days earlier than the Montana median of May 19.
- Its 151-day growing season is longer than 95% of the 325 Montana places with a regular frost season (state median 125 days).
- The last frost is 5 days later than the zone 5b median of May 1. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 5b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 161 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 24 |
| 50% (median) | May 6 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 19 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 23 |
| 50% (median) | October 4 |
| 90% (late) | October 16 |
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 Missoula, MT
Frost dates for 59808 — Missoula, MT — last frost May 6, first frost Oct 4, zone 5b. whenisthelastfrost.com
Crop
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Start indoors: Feb 11 to Feb 25Transplant outside: Apr 8 to Apr 22
Start indoors: Feb 25 to Mar 11Transplant outside: May 20 to Jun 3
Start indoors: Feb 25 to Mar 11Transplant outside: May 20 to Jun 3
Start indoors: Mar 11 to Mar 25Transplant outside: May 13 to May 27
Start indoors: Mar 11 to Mar 25Transplant outside: Apr 15 to Apr 29Sow outdoors: Apr 8 to May 13Plant for fall: Aug 9 to Sep 6
Start indoors: Mar 11 to Mar 25Transplant outside: Apr 8 to Apr 22Sow outdoors: Apr 8 to Apr 22Plant for fall: Jul 26 to Aug 16
Start indoors: Mar 11 to Mar 25Transplant outside: Apr 22 to May 6Plant for fall: Jun 28 to Jul 19
Start indoors: Mar 11 to Mar 25Transplant outside: Apr 15 to Apr 29Plant for fall: Jun 28 to Jul 19
Start indoors: Mar 11 to Mar 25Transplant outside: Apr 22 to May 6Plant for fall: Jun 28 to Jul 19
Start indoors: Mar 25 to Apr 8Transplant outside: May 27 to Jun 10Sow outdoors: May 27 to Jun 10
Start indoors: Mar 25 to Apr 8Transplant outside: May 13 to May 27
Sow outdoors: Mar 25 to Apr 15Plant for fall: Jul 12 to Aug 2
Sow outdoors: Mar 25 to Apr 15Plant for fall: Aug 9 to Aug 30
Sow outdoors: Apr 1 to May 13Plant for fall: Aug 23 to Sep 13
Start indoors: Apr 8 to Apr 15Transplant outside: May 20 to May 27Sow outdoors: May 13 to May 27Plant for fall: Jul 19 to Aug 2
Start indoors: Apr 8 to Apr 15Sow outdoors: May 13 to May 27Plant for fall: Jul 26 to Aug 9
Start indoors: Apr 8 to Apr 15Sow outdoors: May 13 to May 27
Start indoors: Apr 8 to Apr 15Transplant outside: May 20 to Jun 3
Sow outdoors: Apr 15 to May 13Plant for fall: Jul 12 to Jul 26
Sow outdoors: Apr 15 to May 13Plant for fall: Jul 26 to Aug 9
Sow outdoors: Apr 15 to May 6
Sow outdoors: Apr 22 to May 20Plant for fall: Jul 26 to Aug 9
Sow outdoors: Apr 22 to May 13Plant for fall: Aug 9 to Aug 30
Sow outdoors: May 13 to Jun 3Plant for fall: Jul 19 to Aug 2
Sow outdoors: May 13 to May 27
Transplant outside: May 20 to Jun 10
Plant for fall: Sep 20 to Oct 25
Start indoorsTransplant outsideSow outdoorsPlant for fallMedian frost dates
When to plant vegetables in Missoula, MT
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | Apr 8 – May 13 | Aug 9 – Sep 6 |
| Kale | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Jul 26 – Aug 16 |
| Broccoli | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 22 – May 6 | — | Jun 28 – Jul 19 |
| Cabbage | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — | Jun 28 – Jul 19 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 22 – May 6 | — | Jun 28 – Jul 19 |
| Okra | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | May 27 – Jun 10 | May 27 – Jun 10 | — |
| Basil | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | May 13 – May 27 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 25 – Apr 15 | Jul 12 – Aug 2 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 25 – Apr 15 | Aug 9 – Aug 30 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 1 – May 13 | Aug 23 – Sep 13 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | May 20 – May 27 | May 13 – May 27 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | — | May 13 – May 27 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | — | May 13 – May 27 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | May 20 – Jun 3 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 15 – May 13 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 15 – May 13 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 15 – May 6 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 22 – May 20 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 22 – May 13 | Aug 9 – Aug 30 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 13 – Jun 3 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 13 – May 27 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 20 – Jun 10 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 20 – Oct 25 |
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 Missoula 6 Nw Wfo, MT weather station, 6 km away (elevation 3,196 ft (974 m)).
ZIP codes in Missoula: 59801 59802 59803 59804 59806 59807 59808 59812
Frost dates near Missoula
- Frenchtown May 18 · Sep 25
- Milltown May 10 · Oct 1
- Bonner May 10 · Oct 1
- Arlee May 12 · Oct 2
- Lolo May 16 · Sep 26
- Huson May 18 · Sep 25
- Alberton May 18 · Sep 25
- Ravalli May 12 · Oct 2
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Missoula, MT?
The median last spring frost in Missoula, MT is May 6. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 19, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Missoula, MT?
The median first fall frost is October 4, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 23.
How long is the growing season in Missoula, MT?
About 151 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Missoula, MT?
Missoula, MT is in USDA hardiness zone 5b.