Soil Temperature in Montana
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Montana is 65°F, based on 12 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 60°F to 74°F. Last updated July 2, 2026.
Current Planting Conditions
Summer conditions across Montana with soil averaging 65°F at 2 inches. Warm-season grasses are in peak growth; keep cool-season lawns mowed high and watered deep. The next application windows arrive in fall, starting with pre-emergent as soil falls back through 70°F.
Grass Seed Germination in Montana
Grass seed germination
Grass seed germination temperatures across Montana. Soil warmth varies by location, so check a city page for the live reading and what germinates there now.
| Grass species | Germination optimum | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky bluegrass | 59–86°F | 14-30 |
| Tall fescue | 68–86°F | 7-12 |
| Perennial ryegrass | 68–86°F | 5-10 |
| Fine fescue | 59–77°F | 7-14 |
| Bermudagrass | 75–85°F | 10-30 |
Monitoring Stations in Montana (12)
For root-zone timing (fertilizer, aeration, weed control), see the 4-inch soil temperature for Montana. For accumulated-heat timing, see growing degree days for Montana. See the Montana soil temperature map for the full station view.
| Station | 2" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Assiniboine #1 (Hill) | 65°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Conrad Ag Rc (Pondera) | 64°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Violett (Liberty) | 65°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Moccasin (Judith Basin) | 66°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Sidney (Richland) | 70°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Jordan (Garfield) | 68°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Lindsay (Dawson) | 67°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Table Mountain (Gallatin) | 65°F | 2026-07-02 |
| St. Mary 1 SSW | 60°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Dillon 18 WSW | 60°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Lewistown 42 WSW | 62°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Wolf Point 29 ENE | 74°F | 2026-07-02 |
Cities in Montana (9)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Ashland | 59003 | 63°F* |
| Billings | 59101 | 62°F* |
| Bozeman | 59715 | 65°F |
| Butte | 59701 | 65°F |
| Great Falls | 59401 | 64°F |
| Helena | 59601 | 65°F |
| Kalispell | 59901 | 60°F |
| Missoula | 59801 | 58°F* |
| Roundup | 59072 | 59°F* |
Modeled estimate from Open-Meteo where no monitoring station is within 75 miles; all other readings are measured at USDA and NOAA stations.
Lawn Care Timing Guides for Montana
- When to Apply Broadleaf Weed Killer on Cool-Season Lawns in Spring
Spring broadleaf timing for Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, perennial ryegrass, and the cool-season blends.
- How to Identify and Kill Nutsedge in Your Lawn
Nutsedge is a sedge, not a grass, which is why standard weed control fails.
- How to Apply Liquid Pre-Emergent Herbicide
Learn how to mix, calibrate, and spray liquid pre-emergent herbicide.
- Grass Seed Germination Soil Temperature by Species
The soil temperature each grass species needs to germinate, from 15+ university extensions: tall fescue and perennial ryegrass 68-86°F, Kentucky bluegrass 59-86°F, fine fescue 59-77°F, cool-season 50°F trigger, warm-season 65°F.
Soil Temperature FAQ for Montana
What is the current soil temperature in Montana?
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Montana is 65°F, based on 12 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 60°F to 74°F depending on location and elevation.
When should I apply pre-emergent in Montana?
Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil at 2 inches reaches 55°F for several consecutive days. Timing varies across Montana, so check your city's page for station-specific readings and the pre-emergent timing recommendation.
When can I plant grass seed in Montana?
Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass) can be seeded when soil holds between 50 and 65°F. Warm-season grasses (bermuda, zoysia) need soil above 65°F. Timing varies by location, so check your city's planting window for the dates specific to your area.