4-Inch Soil Temperature in Montana
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across Montana is 72°F, measured at 13 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 65°F to 78°F. Soil across Montana is running 3°F above the seasonal normal of 69°F for mid-August, based on 13 of 13 stations with historical records. Last updated August 9, 2026.
Why the 4-Inch Reading
Every reading here is measured at native 4-inch depth by USDA SCAN (Soil Climate Analysis Network) and NOAA USCRN (US Climate Reference Network) stations — not modeled. The 4-inch root-zone temperature changes more slowly than the surface, making it the steadier signal for established-lawn and garden timing: pre-emergent and broadleaf herbicide windows, fertilizer applications, and core aeration.
Stations Measuring 4-Inch Depth in Montana (13)
| Station | 4" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Assiniboine #1 (Hill) | 71°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Conrad Ag Rc (Pondera) | 70°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Violett (Liberty) | 76°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Moccasin (Judith Basin) | 75°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Sidney (Richland) | 72°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Jordan (Garfield) | 78°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Lindsay (Dawson) | 68°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Table Mountain (Gallatin) | 73°F | 2026-08-09 |
| St. Mary 1 SSW | 65°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Dillon 18 WSW | 69°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Lewistown 42 WSW | 71°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Wolf Point 34 NE | 75°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Wolf Point 29 ENE | 77°F | 2026-08-09 |
Cities in Montana (9)
4-Inch Soil Temperature FAQ for Montana
What is the current 4-inch soil temperature in Montana?
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across Montana is 72°F, measured at 13 USDA and NOAA stations. Readings range from 65°F to 78°F depending on location and elevation. Soil across Montana is running 3°F above the seasonal normal of 69°F for mid-August, based on 13 of 13 stations with historical records.
What does the 4 inch soil temperature mean?
The 4 inch soil temperature shows conditions deeper in the root zone than the 2 inch germination reading. It is commonly used for established lawn, garden, and agricultural timing because it changes more slowly than the surface layer, so it is a steadier signal for fertilizer, aeration, and weed-control decisions.
Why use 4-inch soil temperature instead of 2-inch?
Use 2 inches for germination decisions, since that is where seeds sit. Use the 4 inch soil temperature for established lawn and garden timing: it reads the root zone, changes more slowly than the surface, and is the depth most fertilizer, aeration, and disease guidance references.
See the national 4-inch soil temperature map, the full Montana soil temperature directory (all depths), or the live national soil temperature map.