Old Farmer's Almanac Predicts Montana's First Frost Dates

The Autumnal Equinox is coming on Saturday September 23rd which means that we will officially enter fall in Montana. It may already feel like fall in some places in Montana already, but according to the Equinox, we aren't there yet.

Montana's Winter Forecast Is Cold and Snowy

When we hit fall we will see our weather change, it will be time to break out the long sleeves, the fleeces, hoodies and jackets. We will also see changes that affect gardens, crops, and even golf courses. We have already had the long-term forecasts for what Montana can expect this upcoming winter. The Old Farmers Almanac has released the forecasted dates for when we may see our first frost date of the season.

The Old Farmer's Almanac Is Over 200 Years Old

The Old Farmer's Almanac was founded in 1792 and has been helping farmers and gardeners plan their crops, and give useful information for over 230 years. A "frost date" is "the average date of the last light freeze in the spring or the first light freeze in the fall". The Old Farmers Almanac is using the 1991-2020 climate normals from NOAA to forecast our frost dates.

Before we get to the forecasted frost dates, you can see some of the record breaking weather events that we have had here in Montana over the years.

Montana's Top 10 Record-Setting Wild Weather Events

Montana is named Big Sky Country for several reasons, not only grandiose Sunsets but impressive weather events as well! Ask any Montana resident who has scoffed at the idea of tossing a blanket or snow shovel in the trunk of the car ” just in case”. Here is a list of Montana's Top 10 Record-Setting Wild Weather Events

Montana's Forecast for First Frost Days

The Old Farmer's Almanac frost forecasts for Montana may happen sooner than you think, some are forecasted to happen within the next few weeks and some areas have already seen their first frosts. Here are the forecasted first frost dates for some Montana areas for fall 2023.

Billings- September 26tth
Bozeman- September 16th
Great Falls- September 25th
Missoula- September 26th
Helena- September 25th
Hamilton- September 16th

Some Montana Cities May Have Already Seen Frost

According to the almanac, both Butte and Kalispell may have already seen their first frost days of the season. Butte's was forecasted for August 31st and Kalispell's was forecasted for September 4th.