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Planting zones · Billings, Montana

What Planting Zone Is Billings?

Billings is in USDA zone 5a. Yellowstone River valley at about 3,600 ft: about 14.3 in. of precipitation, wettest in May, and cold winters (zone 5a, extreme lows of −20 to −15°F in a typical year).

  • USDA zone (2023)5a
  • Coldest night (avg.)-20 to -15°FZIP 59101
  • Median last frostMay 432°F
  • Median first frostOct 732°F
  • Annual precipitation14 inches
  • Frost-free season156 days

Billings hardiness zone by ZIP code

On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, the ZIP codes we sampled in Billings fall in zone 5a; 59101 (zone 5a) has an average annual extreme minimum of -20 to -15°F. Choose perennials, shrubs, and trees rated at least to zone 5.

2023 USDA zone for sampled Billings ZIP codes
ZIPZoneAvg. coldest night
591015a-20 to -15°F
591025a-20 to -15°F
591065a-20 to -15°F

Not listed? Look up any ZIP code.

Frost dates and when to plant

The median last spring frost (32°F) at Billings Logan Intl Airport is May 4 and the median first fall frost is Oct 7, a typical frost-free season of about 156 days.

Plant container perennials and shrubs after the median last frost (May 4), or in early fall at least six weeks before the median first frost (Oct 7) so roots can settle in before the ground freezes.

Rainfall and heat in Billings

Average annual precipitation is 14 inches (Billings Logan Intl Airport, 1991–2020), spread across the year with May the wettest month and January the driest.

The average high in July is about 87°F and the average low in January is about 18°F, measured at about 3,580 ft.

That is why a zone rating alone isn't enough for a xeriscape here: pick plants that are both cold-hardy to zone 5 and rated very low or low water once established.

Low-water plants for Billings

65 plants in our database are hardy to zone 5 and suited to zone 5. Here are 12, driest first, across plant types.

See all zone 5 plants

Frequently asked questions

What planting zone is Billings?

Billings, MT is in USDA hardiness zone 5a on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, based on the ZIP codes we sampled (59101: 5a, 59102: 5a, 59106: 5a). In 59101, the average coldest night of the year is -20 to -15°F.

When is the last frost in Billings?

The median last spring frost (32°F) at Billings Logan Intl Airport is May 4 and the median first fall frost is Oct 7, a typical frost-free season of about 156 days.

How much rain does Billings get?

Average annual precipitation is 14 inches (Billings Logan Intl Airport, 1991–2020), spread across the year with May the wettest month and January the driest.

Sources

  1. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, Billings Logan Intl Airport (USW00024033). ncei.noaa.gov
  2. USDA ARS 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map, by ZIP. planthardiness.ars.usda.gov