Data: 2023 USDA zones (PRISM/OSU) · NOAA 1991–2020 normals · updated Oct 29, 2026

Planting zone for 59241 — Hinsdale, MT

ZIP code 59241 (Hinsdale, Valley County) is in USDA zone 3b: the coldest winter night averages −35 to −30 °F. The median last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost September 26.

Where ZIP 59241 is

Outlined: the ZIP code area · tap the map for the zone at any spot · scroll or pinch to zoom

Not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zones come from the 2023 USDA hardiness-zone data by the PRISM Group, Oregon State University; we re-mapped and recolored them. The official map is at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

Zone3b−35 to −30 °F

Coldest night−37.2 to −34.4 °C

Last frostMay 15

First frostSep 26

2012 zone3b

Same zone as on the 2012 map. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 3b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Hinsdale, MT…

Forecast data: National Weather Service (api.weather.gov), public domain. This is not a warning service — for official frost and freeze warnings see weather.gov.

Frost dates in Hinsdale, MT

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Blue: frost possible · fading green: frost risk falling or rising (90% → 10%) · green: frost-free

Last spring frostMay 15median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMay 30only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostSeptember 26median — 10% chance by Sep 12

Growing season132 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 5 and returns around October 4.

From the NOAA station Hinsdale 4 Sw, MT — 9 miles away, elevation 2,805 ft. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, 32 °F threshold. Low spots and valleys can freeze later in spring than the station.

When to plant vegetables in 59241

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Apr 3 – Apr 17

SpinachSow outdoors · Apr 3 – Apr 24

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 6 – Mar 20

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Apr 24 – May 8

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 17 – May 1

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Apr 24 – May 8

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 17 – May 1

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Apr 24 – May 8

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 20 – Apr 3

TomatoesTransplant · May 22 – Jun 5

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 6 – Mar 20

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · May 29 – Jun 12

BeansSow outdoors · May 22 – Jun 5

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 22 – Jun 5

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 22 – Jun 5

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 1 – Aug 15

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 12 – Oct 17

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 15) and first fall frost (Sep 26) with the rules of thumb U.S. extension services publish. Cool-season crops take a light frost; warm-season crops do best once the soil is above about 60 °F.

When spring arrived in 2026

In 2026, spring leaf-out near 59241 came on Apr 16 — about the same time as the 1991–2020 average (Apr 15).

average
Apr 152026
Apr 16

JanFebMarAprMayJun

The Spring Index marks the day when accumulated warmth is enough for lilac and honeysuckle to leaf out — a widely used signal that the growing season has started. Source: USA National Phenology Network, www.usanpn.org — Spring Indices, first leaf, 2026 (data as of 2026-09-08) and 30-year average 1991–2020 (CC BY 4.0).

Native plants for zone 3b in Montana

304 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Montana, and rated by the USDA to survive −35 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 3b. Each links to its USDA PLANTS profile.

Source: USDA, NRCS. 2026. The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov), National Plant Data Team — state distribution, native status and the “Temperature, Minimum” characteristic. Check light, moisture and soil needs before buying; local nurseries and your state native plant society can confirm what thrives in Hinsdale, MT.

Soil in Hinsdale, MT

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 59241 is Sunburst — clay loam, well drained.

TextureClay loamholds water and nutrients; slow to drain and warm up

pH8.0alkaline; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter1.5%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupCwater soaks in slowly

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Sunburst clay loam, 15 to 60 percent slopes.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, via Soil Data Access, accessed 2026-10-29. The soil at the center point of ZIP 59241; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Hinsdale, MT

Summer high84 °Faverage high, July

Winter low6 °Faverage low, January

Hot days21days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights177nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days2,118base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day16 h 07 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day8 h 18 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growLong-daysummer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too)

Precipitation16.3 inper year, rain and melted snow

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Hinsdale 4 Sw, MT (9 mi away); precipitation: Hinsdale 4 Sw, MT (9 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

4 of the 8 nearest ZIP codes are in a different zone — elevation and distance from water change winter lows quickly.

Saint Marie, MT · 24 mi

Whitewater, MT · 33 mi

Montana planting zones →

Questions about 59241

What planting zone is ZIP code 59241?

ZIP code 59241 (Hinsdale, MT) is in USDA hardiness zone 3b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −35 to −30 °F (−37.2 to −34.4 °C).

When is the last frost in Hinsdale, MT?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 59241 is May 15; after May 30 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Hinsdale 4 Sw station.

When is the first frost in Hinsdale, MT?

The median first fall frost near 59241 is September 26, giving a median frost-free growing season of 132 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 59241?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 20 – Apr 3 and set transplants outside around May 22 – Jun 5, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 59241 get?

About 16.3 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Hinsdale 4 Sw station).

How hot do summers get in Hinsdale, MT?

The average high peaks at 84 °F in July, with about 21 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 59241 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Sunburst at the center of ZIP 59241: clay loam, well drained, pH about 8.0 (alkaline).

Did spring come early in Hinsdale, MT in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 59241 came on Apr 16 in 2026, about the same as the 1991–2020 average (Apr 15), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Hinsdale, MT?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 59241 is 16 h 07 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).