Montana experiences the fullness of all 4 seasons each single 12 months. It has stunning heat summers, colourful and funky falls, chilly and snowy winters, in addition to life-giving springs. Every season presents superb journey and adventuring alternatives.
The seasons can, nonetheless, be harsh in Montana with heavy precipitation and excessive temperatures. Whatever the climate, there are countless possibilities to discover all that Montana has to supply.
The perfect occasions to go to Montana are through the summer season and fall. The climate is cooperative and virtually all actions are on the desk. I’ve spent quite a few days in Montana by all 4 seasons, however the late summer season and fall are simply my favourite occasions to go.
The 12 million individuals who go to Montana a 12 months usually come through the hotter months, however the mountains and lodging refill within the winter because of the unbelievable snowboarding and snowboarding throughout the state.
Fast Look: Finest Time to Go to Montana
General: September
For Fishing: April, June, July, August, September, and October
For Swimming: July, August, and September
For Climbing: June, July, August, September, and October
For Nationwide Parks: June, July, August, September, and October
For Fewer Crowds: May, June, September, and October
General Finest Time To Go to Montana: September
September is the perfect time to go to Montana. The climate throughout the state has begun to chill after a heat summer season and most of the people are returning again house after just a few months of journey.
No matter the place you go to, you’ll discover that parks, trails, lakes, rivers, and mountains are far quieter than they’re throughout June, July, and August.
I’ve spent fairly a little bit of time in Montana from June by August, however previously few years, I’ve began visiting through the fall. October can get chilly and snowy within the northern a part of the state, however September presents snug temperatures wherever you go to.
It doesn’t matter should you’re tenting, fishing, or climbing, the climate is good. The cool mornings and heat afternoons are good for adventuring.
I completely love the peace and quiet that September presents after a loopy summer season of vacationers overlaying all components of the state. Plus, I’m a diehard fly angler, and the fish have a tendency to reply higher when the air temperatures are cooler, (and circumstances settle down sufficient for fish to be lively longer).
One of many last issues that makes September a terrific month to go to is that peak season costs are over. Lodging, actions, and even small issues like gasoline fall again to extra regular costs presently of 12 months.
Montana residents begin crawling out of their summer season hibernation and start to take pleasure in all that the state has to supply now that the vacationers are gone. Every part is less complicated to search out and it’s simpler to journey across the state freely.
Peak Season in Montana (June – August, and December – February)
Through the 12 months, June by August is when most individuals select to go to Montana. Virtually all the trails are open and every thing is in full bloom. The state is stuffed with households, hardcore adventurers, and every kind of vacationers in between.
Most nationwide park trails and campgrounds are fully full throughout this time. Costs are at their highest, and in depth planning is required to ensure you have entry to every thing you want.
Fishing, climbing, mountain biking, and climbing are a few of the hottest actions through the peak season.
December – March is the height season through the winter. Snowboarders and skiers flock to the dozen or so ski resorts unfold throughout the state. Since there’s such quite a lot of snowboarding and snowboarding out there within the state, first-timers, and households, all the best way as much as professionals could be discovered on the slopes.
Snowmobiling, ice fishing, and cross-country snowboarding can also be standard with company of Montana through the winter. This time of 12 months is certainly much less busy than the summer season, however you’ll discover excessive ranges of holiday makers in fewer areas, so it feels a little bit crowded.
Shoulder Season in Montana (September – October, and Might – June)
The shoulder season is my favourite time to go to Montana. The autumn shoulder season runs from September to October. All the actions which might be out there through the peak season in the summertime are basically all out there through the shoulder season too.
A few of the northern components of the states, in addition to the mountain peaks, start getting snow in October and temperatures can drop into the 20s at evening. The principle individuals on the paths, visiting the parks, and having fun with different areas are locals.
There are many full-time vacationers all around the state, however the variety of vacationers is far decrease in comparison with peak season.
Within the spring, the shoulder season is Might – June. It is a difficult time to go to the state except you’re snug spending time within the low nation. All components of the state are hit with snow, so runoff is in full drive in Might and June.
Because the temperatures heat, rivers, streams, and higher-elevation areas are muddy and stuffed with water. Actions like fishing and basic sightseeing are doable, however solely specifically areas.
Costs throughout Might and June are low, and if it’s been a very dry 12 months, this could be a nice time to go to.
Off Season in Montana (October – November, and March – April)
Through the fall low season, adventuring could be very hit and miss. October and November present stunning fall colours, however the time of 12 months additionally comes with snow and different precipitation. Costs are low and most locations are pretty empty, so if privateness is what you’re after, then it’s a good time to go.
In the event you’re prepared to work by some testing circumstances, you may have a few of the hottest locations within the state to your self. There are climate home windows the place the highs are nonetheless within the 50s and 60s, however that may change extraordinarily shortly, so be ready. Areas like Bozeman, Billings, and different southern components of the state are finest to go to in late fall.
Within the spring low season, you’ll discover that climate is in every single place. Sooner or later it could possibly be 60 and sunny and the subsequent it’s 25 and a blizzard. The nearer you get to the mountains, the extra unpredictable the climate will get.
Like the autumn low season, the costs are low and locations are empty in comparison with the height and shoulder seasons. You’re in a position to get in some snowboarding within the northern components of the state, however for essentially the most half, you’ll be restricted to fishing and sightseeing. Carry your snowshoes should you intend to hike!
When to Go to Montana For Swimming
The perfect time to go to Montana for swimming is throughout July and August. Since virtually all lakes in Montana freeze through the winter, the water wants time to heat up! Plus, the typical temperature in Montana in July and August is within the high-70s to mid-80s.
It’s not unusual for there to be days over 90 levels, particularly at decrease elevations. Seashores alongside Flathead Lake in Kalispell and Whitefish Lake in Whitefish are superb to go to this time of 12 months. The water is snug and the hotter circumstances offer you an opportunity to chill off with a swim.
Different seashores, like my private favourite Lake McDonald Seashore in Glacier Nationwide Park, are nice to go to throughout these months. Since Glacier Nationwide Park is to date north of the state, it takes some time for the ice to depart the lake, and for the air temperatures to heat the water sufficient to swim in.
When you’ll discover that lots of the lakes and rivers throughout the state don’t turn out to be like bathwater, (since most are stuffed with snowmelt and underground springs), the vast majority of lakes and rivers are snug temperatures on these hotter days.
When to Go to Montana For Snowboarding
I like to go to Montana in January or February for snowboarding. My favourite resort, Big Sky, is finest throughout this time of 12 months. Sure, the temperatures are chilly, however the snow circumstances are virtually all the time good – the excessive elevation and 1000’s of acres out there to ski are coated in contemporary powder.
Christmas time is extremely busy across the ski resorts in Montana, so a mid-January or early February ski journey provides you an opportunity to search out some peace and quiet and nonetheless benefit from the superb winter circumstances.
Virtually all the resorts throughout the state are able to creating their very own snow, nevertheless it’s hardly ever wanted, particularly at resorts primarily based greater within the mountains. Bridger Bowl, Massive Sky Resort, Whitefish Ski Resort, and Blacktail Mountain Resort are a few of the finest decisions within the state.
The number of slopes and challenges, in addition to the attractive mountain views, are extraordinarily laborious to beat. Keep on with January and February, and also you’ll be completely happy.
When to Go to Montana For Cities
In the event you’re hoping to benefit from the distinctive cities in Montana like Bozeman, Missoula, Kalispell, Massive Sky, and Whitefish, your finest guess is to go throughout Might, June, September, or October. The temperatures are snug and so they’re not so filled with vacationers.
Most shops and eating places run to their peak season hours, so that you don’t have to fret about lacking out on an area favourite. Plus, the climate isn’t too scorching or chilly, so you may take pleasure in strolling across the cities and never have to fret about any inclement climate.
Loads of cities in Montana don’t have public transportation, so it’s as much as you to make your method across the metropolis. Whereas Helena and Billings are distinctive in their very own proper, a few of the mountain “cities” are the perfect within the nation.
Missoula is my private favourite because of its distinctive structure, phenomenal eating places, and enjoyable college-town ambiance. Montana cities are in contrast to many different mountain cities within the west; stuffed with historical past and continuously evolving.
When to Go to Montana For Fishing
Fishing is the perfect in Montana from mid-June to early July. Anglers will even have nice success in September and October. The months of July and August could be productive, however the hotter climate and heavy strain could make fishing tougher.
Mid-June is my favourite time to go to due to the Salmonfly hatch that happens in lots of rivers throughout the state. The Gallatin River close to Bozeman and Massive Sky has an exquisite Salmonfly hatch every year.
Different rivers like Yellowstone and Madison provide higher fishing in late June – early July. It takes fairly a little bit of time for the runoff season to conclude in Montana because of the excessive quantity of snow the encircling mountains obtain.
September and October are different good months to fish. Most vacationers have returned to their house states, and the water ranges have dropped. The fishing turns into extra technical, however the fish are hungry and wanting to feed earlier than the chilly winter temperatures hit. I like to develop my expertise within the fall.
When to Go to Montana For Tenting
Tenting in Montana is finest from June to September. Be conscious that early June and late September nights can drop into the 30s, however temperatures for many of July and August are good. In the event you’re in greater elevations like Crimson Lodge or Missoula, the nights recurrently drop into the 40s, so that you received’t ever be too scorching whenever you’re sleeping.
The principle factor to concentrate on throughout these months is that campgrounds could be extraordinarily busy. Pay shut consideration to reservation methods in March and April once they start opening dates to e book. You’ll wish to soar on these!
There are various dispersed campgrounds throughout the state which might be first-come-first-served, so that you don’t have to fret about reserving any of the websites. Plus, most Nationwide Forest land has dispersed tenting in every single place, so you may stay a little bit extra and not using a plan and nonetheless discover a terrific place to remain.
Dispersed tenting is free, however you received’t have any services, so ensure you’re outfitted to go off-grid. All of my tenting experiences in Montana have been in nationwide forests or wilderness land. There are such a lot of stunning spots to choose from!
When to Go to Montana for Nationwide Parks
The perfect time to go to Nationwide Parks in Montana is from June to October. Glacier National Park has sections which might be closed (Going to the Solar Street, and so forth) till late June; ensure you take note of the nationwide park web sites to determine what’s open.
A lot of the parks can be absolutely open by mid-July. Sure components have reservation methods that final till the top of August, so visiting in September and October is finest as you received’t have to fret about reserving your reservation as far upfront.
Yellowstone National Park is far additional south than Glacier, so a lot of the park is accessible in June. A few of the higher-elevation trails will nonetheless be coated in snow by early July, however a lot of the park is straightforward to get to. Wildlife in Yellowstone is lively in June because the temperatures are rather less extreme.
Wildlife continues to be out and about in July and August, nevertheless it’s most lively through the mornings and evenings.
Each Glacier and Yellowstone are two of my favourite parks in the complete nation. The quantity of backcountry land out there to discover in every park is in contrast to another park within the decrease 48.
Montana’s backcountry is my favourite place within the United States and easy functions for backcountry permits offer you per week’s entry to stunning trails, phenomenal wildlife, and nice fishing.
When to Go to Montana For Low cost Costs
For reasonable costs, you’ll wish to go to Montana from September – November or April – June. Lodging, actions, eating places, and even easy purchases like groceries and gasoline are decrease through the shoulder and off-seasons.
Lodging fills up quick through the summer season, however motels and trip leases are eager for bookings through the off seasons when costs are closely lowered in comparison with the height season.
Guides, outfitters, and expertise hosts are additionally conscious of the decrease visitors through the offseasons and so they’ll usually provide massive reductions outdoors of months that see extra guests.
Remember that it could take a little bit extra work to search out outfitters throughout this time as many will virtually shut down through the offseasons.
Montana has boomed in recognition previously 10 years, so costs proceed to rise whatever the time of 12 months. Nonetheless, in order for you an opportunity at some extra affordable choices, go to through the shoulder and off seasons.
When to Go to Montana For Climbing
Climbing is finest in Montana from July to September. Montana is finest to hike when all the trails are almost broad open and are away from snow. It normally takes till mid-July for many trails to fully clear and plenty of routes throughout the state received’t ever clear solely, however they’re satisfactory by the point August hits.
Sure, the paths are busy throughout these three months, however the higher climate provides you an opportunity to get out additional away from the crowds.
I like to hike in Red Lodge and Kalispell throughout these months. The Absaroka Wilderness and Bob-Marshall Wilderness are nonetheless comparatively untouched in comparison with the remainder of the state. There are few locations within the decrease 48 as distant as these two wilderness areas.
The wildlife and distinctive climbing trails are a few of the finest I’ve ever seen. It’s a must to earn the views, however they’re all the time well worth the effort. There’s nothing fairly like a hike on a distant Montana path in the summertime.
The Finest Time to Go to Montana By Month
Every month in Montana offers its personal distinctive climate and adventures. Whereas some months are simpler to go to than others, all of them give guests entry to the superb components of the state. As soon as you realize what to anticipate in every month, it makes preparation for journey far simpler.
Montana in January
January in Montana is a part of the height season for winter vacationers and all winter actions.
Climate in Montana in January
In January, the climate in Montana is chilly and snowy. The common temperature throughout the state is 22 levels Fahrenheit. The state is sort of solely coated in snow, so winter actions are on the forefront of everybody’s thoughts.
At over 5,000 or 6,000 toes elevation, there’s more likely to be just a few toes of snow, and temperatures are generally within the teenagers and single digits all through the day. Chilly and snowy is the secret in Montana in January.
Issues To Do in Montana in January
In January, individuals are centered on snowboarding, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. The circumstances are good for winter actions all through the complete month.
Guests can spend time exploring the nationwide forests on snowmobiles, snowshoes, and skis, and I personally love taking my cross-country skis out on the paths close to Massive Sky presently – normally, after I’ve ice-fished or snowboarded at Big Sky Resort.
Montana in February
In February, Montana continues to be within the midst of winter, however the vacationer numbers aren’t as excessive as they’re in the beginning of the 12 months.
Climate in Montana in February
The climate in February isn’t solely completely different than the climate in January. The common temperature throughout the state is 27 levels Fahrenheit and snow continues to be a standard prevalence.
At greater elevations, temperatures hover across the single digits at evening and the mid-teens or low-20s through the day. Snow recurrently happens with a few toes of contemporary powder hitting the mountains each few weeks.
Issues To Do in Montana in February
In February, vacationers are both spending their time solely indoors or outdoors having fun with winter actions. Visiting Whitefish Ski Resort in February is a private favourite as a result of temperatures aren’t as brutal and the slopes aren’t as busy as they are often in January.
Ice fishing can also be nice in February. With barely hotter temperatures, fish turn out to be extra lively. Canyon Ferry Reservoir close to Helena is likely one of the finest locations to ice fish in Montana in February.
Montana in March
Montana in March is likely one of the slowest when it comes to tourism and the climate begins to alter because it turns into hotter and extra springlike.
Climate in Montana in March
In March, the decrease elevations sit within the mid-30s for the typical temperature. It’s nonetheless not unusual to see just a few snow storms all through the month and a few excessive temperatures, however decrease elevation areas turn out to be fairly snug.
At elevations close to 5,000 toes, winter continues to be in drive in March. The main distinction is that there’ll sometimes be abnormally heat days within the 40s and 50s, however 20-degree days and snow storms will nonetheless recurrently happen – winter isn’t finished but.
Issues To Do in Montana in March
In March, winter actions are heading towards their final leg. Most ski resorts will keep open all through the complete month so long as there’s sufficient snow. Snowmobile trails are nonetheless good to go to, however beware that as quickly because the snow begins melting within the mountains, getting caught turns into an actual chance.
Persons are beginning to fish within the rivers and streams because of the warming temperatures presently, and you may nonetheless go to the mountain cities earlier than they sluggish method down for the quiet season.
Montana in April
April in Montana is one other sluggish month for tourism and the climate begins to turn out to be extra snug.
Climate in Montana in April
Climate in Montana in April is about as predictable because the Powerball numbers. At decrease elevations, you’ll discover temperatures sitting within the low-60s with fairly just a few days of rain.
At greater elevations, temperatures begin to rise and the runoff season begins. Snow begins melting and filling each lake, stream, and river round. There could be some days of snow, however temperatures are largely within the 40s for a excessive.
Issues To Do in Montana in April
In April, Montana is in a time of transition. Because of this, there isn’t a concrete exercise that all the time happens. Climbing trails are moist from snowmelt, rivers are starting to fill, and the ski resorts are doubtless closed.
Because of this, most individuals keep at decrease elevations and revel in mountain biking or sightseeing excursions. Anglers could also be hitting rivers and streams earlier than the runoff turns into too excessive. Take this time to go to cities and take a look at some indoor actions.
Montana in Might
In Might, the vacationer numbers are nonetheless down and the snow runoff is at its peak. The crops are starting to bloom and virtually every thing is moist.
Climate in Montana in Might
In Might, the climate throughout Montana is far hotter. Common temperatures climb into the mid-60s, however rain continues to be widespread at decrease elevations.
At greater elevations, temperatures crawl into the 50s with some good spring rains that add to the already vital melting course of. Remember that Might is a standard time for flooding in Montana.
Issues To Do in Montana in Might
Like April, out of doors actions are a bit extra of a problem. The unpredictable climate and altering circumstances invite guests to go to a few of the quaint mountain cities as they put together for the height summer season season.
Driving excursions and wildlife excursions are nice in Might. Go to Yellowstone National Park and see the park come to life after a protracted winter.
Montana in June
Peak season in Montana begins in June and virtually all summer season actions can be found for vacationers to take pleasure in.
Climate in Montana in June
The climate in June throughout the state is sort of at its finest. Temperatures through the day are within the mid-70s at decrease elevations and rain isn’t as widespread as it’s throughout April and Might.
At greater elevations, the temperatures are within the high-60s and mid-70s. Every part is starting to dry and turn out to be much more accessible for adventurers.
Issues To Do in Montana in June
When you received’t doubtless be summiting any peaks in June, many trails beneath 10,000 toes elevation are much more accessible, and lots of the trails throughout the nationwide parks are accessible.
Runoff has normally subsided by June, so fishing is extraordinarily productive. The Salmonfly hatch happens in June, so hit the Gallatin if doable.
Montana in July
Montana in July is completely stunning with sunny skies, clear trails, and entry to all issues that make Montana nice in the summertime.
Climate in Montana in July
Decrease elevation temperatures in July simply attain the mid-80s and into the low-90s and it’s normally dry.
Within the mountains, July is a good month. The times are normally round 75 or 80 levels and the nights are nonetheless within the 40s and 50s.
Issues To Do in Montana in July
Montana is absolutely alive in July. Each mountain city, path, and exercise is in full swing. Mountain biking, backpacking, fishing, horseback driving, and climbing are a few of the most typical actions.
Every time I go to in July, I attempt to cowl as many miles on trails as I can. Lots of the higher-elevation trails turn out to be accessible and my eagerness to summit some mountains will increase past perception.
Montana in August
Montana in August is stuffed with vacationers, cool evenings, heat days, and summer season actions at their peak.
Climate in Montana in August
August in Montana is similar to July. The decrease elevations might even see extra temperatures within the 90s, however they’ll get a bit extra rain than in July.
Greater elevations sit in temperatures that common 80 to 85 levels and have nights within the excessive 40s or low 50s. That is the final month of true warmth in Montana.
Issues To Do in Montana in August
August in Montana continues to be stuffed with summer season actions. A few of the areas which might be packed by snow within the winter lastly turn out to be accessible in August, so maintain that in thoughts. Biking, climbing, and climbing are standard actions throughout this time.
Fishing could be sluggish because of much less rainfall and hotter temperatures, so ensure you’re out early or within the evenings to have the perfect probability.
Montana in September
Montana in September is when vacationers start to depart and every thing begins to settle down after a full summer season of hundreds of thousands of holiday makers passing by the state.
Climate in Montana in September
September in Montana is when the temperature variations between high and low elevations turn out to be huge. At low elevations, temperatures are recurrently within the 80s and low 90s, however rain is much more widespread in September.
At elevation, temperatures fall from the 80s to the mid to low 70s and there are extra constant 40-degree nights. Keep in mind that the mountain storms in September could be intense.
Issues To Do in Montana in September
September is the perfect month to attempt all the normal summer season actions in Montana. Nowhere is absolutely coated by snow and a few of the hottest locations turn out to be far quieter because of the decrease ranges of vacationers.
Climbing, fishing, climbing, and biking are nonetheless what you need to be doing in September. My favourite half is that the timber at greater elevations start to alter colours.
Montana in October
Fall colours and funky temperatures fill the state in October with virtually all summer season actions nonetheless out there.
Climate in Montana in October
The climate in October at decrease elevations is normally someplace within the 60s and low 70s in the beginning of the month. By the top, temperatures solely attain into the 50s for highs.
At elevations above 5,000 toes, temperatures are persistently within the 50s and the nights are someplace within the 30s. Plus, snow is beginning to fall at these elevations above 8,000 toes.
Issues To Do in Montana in October
In October, most summer season actions are nonetheless out there on the decrease elevations. You received’t be spending time above 8,000 or 9,000 toes with out seeing snow, however beneath that, you may nonetheless hike, bike, and climb with out worrying about an excessive amount of snow.
Fishing can also be nice in October. I like to fish in October as a result of the fish are wanting to fatten up earlier than winter absolutely hits. Take a look at Rock Creek close to Crimson Lodge. I all the time have success, right here.
Montana in November
November in Montana is the primary month of winter circumstances, so be ready for empty trails and dig out your winter adventuring gear.
Climate in Montana in November
In November, the decrease elevations persistently see temperatures within the low-40s through the day and 20s and 30s at evening.
Within the mountains, winter has arrived by November. Temperatures sit across the freezing mark through the day and drop into the teenagers and 20s at evening. Plus, snow is beginning to hit recurrently at elevations above 5,000 or 6,000 toes.
Issues To Do in Montana in November
Some ski resorts are in a position to open in November, however most individuals are snowshoeing and snowmobiling round a few of these greater elevations. Cross-country snowboarding can also be extraordinarily standard.
Spend time within the cities and on concrete throughout November. Montana normally wants this month to transition into full winter mode.
Montana in December
All winter actions turn out to be out there in December because of the chilly circumstances and better snowfall.
Climate in Montana in December
In December, decrease elevations see temperatures round freezing and obtain fairly a little bit of snow. Winter has absolutely hit decrease elevations by December.
Within the mountains, temperatures are within the 20s and snow is persistently hitting greater elevations above 5,000 toes. It’s a winter wonderland in all places you flip within the mountains all through December.
Issues To Do in Montana in December
Snowfall must be excessive sufficient that each one ski resorts are open and winter actions are in full impact. Snowboard, ski, ice fish, and snowshoe your method across the mountains – they’re a must-see in winter by all means.
Most cities have embellished properly for Christmas, so that they’re nice to go to after a protracted day of adventuring.
In Conclusion
Selecting the perfect time to go to Montana isn’t all the time the best because of the number of actions out there and the climate circumstances to concentrate on. In the event you actually wish to expertise Montana and all its true magnificence, it’s finest to go to throughout all 4 seasons. You’ll all the time discover a lot to do.
Every time I go to, I discover myself feeling that I like a unique season finest. Montana has by no means let me down no matter after I go to.
