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

Planting zone for 59714 — Belgrade, MT

ZIP code 59714 (Belgrade, Gallatin County) is in USDA zone 5a: the coldest winter night averages −20 to −15 °F. The median last spring frost is May 26 and the first fall frost September 16.

Where ZIP 59714 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.

Zone5a−20 to −15 °F

Coldest night−28.9 to −26.1 °C

Last frostMay 26

First frostSep 16

2012 zone4a

Was 4a on the 2012 map — a full zone warmer now. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 5a means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Belgrade, 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 Belgrade, MT

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMay 26median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsJune 12only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostSeptember 16median — 10% chance by Sep 2

Growing season112 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 9 and returns around September 28.

From the NOAA station Bozeman Gallatin Field, MT — 13 miles away, elevation 4,426 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 59714

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Apr 14 – Apr 28

SpinachSow outdoors · Apr 14 – May 5

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 17 – Mar 31

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · May 5 – May 19

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 28 – May 12

PotatoesPlant outdoors · May 5 – May 19

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 28 – May 12

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · May 5 – May 19

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 31 – Apr 14

TomatoesTransplant · Jun 2 – Jun 16

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 17 – Mar 31

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Jun 9 – Jun 23

BeansSow outdoors · Jun 2 – Jun 16

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Jun 2 – Jun 16

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Jun 2 – Jun 16

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Jul 22 – Aug 5

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 2 – Oct 7

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 26) and first fall frost (Sep 16) 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 59714 came on Mar 23 — 28 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 20).

average
Apr 202026
Mar 23

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 5a in Montana

548 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Montana, and rated by the USDA to survive −20 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 5a. 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 Belgrade, MT.

Soil in Belgrade, MT

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 59714 is Crago — cobbly loam, well drained.

TextureCobbly loama good balance for most vegetables

pH7.9alkaline; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter2%moderate

Hydrologic groupBwater soaks in moderately

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Crago-Beanlake complex, 15 to 35 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 59714; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Belgrade, MT

Summer high85 °Faverage high, July

Winter low10 °Faverage low, January

Hot days23days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights198nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days1,695base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 45 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day8 h 38 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation14.1 inper year, rain and melted snow

Snowfall21 inper year

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches · ❄ = snowfall

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Bozeman Gallatin Field, MT (13 mi away); precipitation: Menard 3 Ne, MT (2 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

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

597715a

Bozeman, MT · 17 mi

597415a

Manhattan, MT · 18 mi

597525a

Three Forks, MT · 19 mi

Montana planting zones →

Questions about 59714

What planting zone is ZIP code 59714?

ZIP code 59714 (Belgrade, MT) is in USDA hardiness zone 5a on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −20 to −15 °F (−28.9 to −26.1 °C).

When is the last frost in Belgrade, MT?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 59714 is May 26; after June 12 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Bozeman Gallatin Field station.

When is the first frost in Belgrade, MT?

The median first fall frost near 59714 is September 16, giving a median frost-free growing season of 112 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 59714?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 31 – Apr 14 and set transplants outside around Jun 2 – Jun 16, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 59714 get?

About 14.1 inches of precipitation a year and 21 inches of snowfall (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Menard 3 Ne station).

How hot do summers get in Belgrade, MT?

The average high peaks at 85 °F in July, with about 23 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 59714 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Crago at the center of ZIP 59714: cobbly loam, well drained, pH about 7.9 (alkaline).

Did spring come early in Belgrade, MT in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 59714 came on Mar 23 in 2026, 28 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 20), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Belgrade, MT?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 59714 is 15 h 45 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).

Did the zone for 59714 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 59714 in zone 4a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 5a. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.