Montana experiences the fullness of all 4 seasons each single yr. It has stunning heat summers, colourful and funky falls, chilly and snowy winters, in addition to life-giving springs. Every season provides wonderful journey and adventuring alternatives. The seasons can, nevertheless, be harsh in Montana with heavy precipitation and excessive temperatures. Whatever the climate, there are limitless probabilities to discover all that Montana has to supply.
The perfect instances to go to Montana are in the course of the summer time and fall. The climate is cooperative and nearly all actions are on the desk. I’ve spent quite a few days in Montana by means of all 4 seasons, however the late summer time and fall are simply my favourite instances to go.
The 12 million individuals who go to Montana a yr typically come in the course of the hotter months, however the mountains and lodging replenish within the winter as a result of unimaginable snowboarding and snowboarding throughout the state.
Fast Look: Finest Time to Go to Montana
Total: September
For Fishing: April, June, July, August, September, and October.
For Swimming: July, August, and September.
For Mountaineering: June, July, August, September, and October.
For Nationwide Parks: June, July, August, September, and October.
For Fewer Crowds: Could, June, September, and October.
Total Finest Time To Go to Montana: September
September is the very best time to go to Montana. The climate throughout the state has begun to chill after a heat summer time and most of the people are returning again dwelling after a couple of 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 means of August, however prior to now few years, I’ve began visiting in the course of the fall. October can get chilly and snowy within the northern a part of the state, however September provides snug temperatures wherever you go to.
It doesn’t matter in the event you’re tenting, fishing, or climbing, the climate is good. The cool mornings and heat afternoons are excellent for adventuring.
I completely love the peace and quiet that September provides after a loopy summer time of vacationers masking all elements 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 energetic longer).
One of many last issues that makes September an excellent month to go to is that peak season costs are over. Lodging, actions, and even small issues like fuel fall again to extra regular costs at the moment of yr.
Montana residents begin crawling out of their summer time hibernation and start to get pleasure from all that the state has to supply now that the vacationers are gone. All the things is less complicated to seek out and it’s simpler to journey across the state freely.
Peak Season in Montana
(June – August, and December – February)
Throughout the yr, June by means of August is when most individuals select to go to Montana. Nearly all the trails are open and every little 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 utterly full throughout this time.
Costs are at their highest, and in depth planning is required to ensure you have entry to every little thing you want. Fishing, climbing, mountain biking, and climbing are a number of the hottest actions in the course of the peak season.
December – March is the height season in the course of 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 accessible within the state, first-timers, and households, all the way in which as much as professionals may be discovered on the slopes.
Snowmobiling, ice fishing, and cross-country snowboarding can be in style with visitors of Montana in the course of the winter. This time of yr is certainly much less busy than the summer time, however you’ll discover excessive ranges of holiday makers in fewer areas, so it feels slightly crowded.
Shoulder Season in Montana
(September – October, and Could – June)
The shoulder season is my favourite time to go to Montana. The autumn shoulder season runs from September to October. The entire actions which might be accessible in the course of the peak season in the summertime are primarily all accessible in the course of the shoulder season too.
A number of the northern elements of the states, in addition to the mountain peaks, start getting snow in October and temperatures can drop into the 20s at night time. The primary folks on the paths, visiting the parks, and having fun with different areas are locals. There are many full-time vacationers everywhere in the state, however the variety of vacationers is way decrease in comparison with peak season.
Within the spring, the shoulder season is Could – June. This can be a difficult time to go to the state except you’re snug spending time within the low nation. All elements of the state are hit with snow, so runoff is in full drive in Could 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 Could and June are low, and if it’s been a very dry yr, this is usually a nice time to go to.
Off Season in Montana
(October – November, and March – April)
Throughout the fall low season, adventuring may be very hit and miss. October and November present stunning fall colours, however the time of yr 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.
For those who’re prepared to work by means of some testing circumstances, you’ll be able to have a number 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 elements of the state are greatest to go to in late fall.
Within the spring low season, you’ll discover that climate is all over. At some point it could possibly be 60 and sunny and the following 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 elements of the state, however for probably the most half, you’ll be restricted to fishing and sightseeing. Convey your snowshoes in the event 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 nearly all lakes in Montana freeze in the course of 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 wonderful to go to this time of yr. 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 go away the lake, and for the air temperatures to heat the water sufficient to swim in.
When you’ll discover that most of the lakes and rivers throughout the state don’t grow 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, Huge Sky, is greatest throughout this time of yr. Sure, the temperatures are chilly, however the snow circumstances are nearly at all times excellent – the excessive elevation and 1000’s of acres accessible to ski are lined 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 seek out some peace and quiet and nonetheless benefit from the wonderful winter circumstances.
Nearly all the resorts throughout the state are able to creating their very own snow, however it’s hardly ever wanted, particularly at resorts primarily based greater within the mountains. Bridger Bowl, Huge Sky Resort, Whitefish Ski Resort, and Blacktail Mountain Resort are a number of the greatest selections within the state.
The number of slopes and challenges, in addition to the attractive mountain views, are extraordinarily laborious to beat. Follow January and February, and also you’ll be blissful.
When to Go to Montana For Cities
For those who’re hoping to benefit from the distinctive cities in Montana like Bozeman, Missoula, Kalispell, Huge Sky, and Whitefish, your greatest wager is to go throughout Could, June, September, or October. The temperatures are snug they usually’re not so full of vacationers.
Most shops and eating places run to their peak season hours, so that you don’t have to fret about lacking out on a neighborhood favourite. Plus, the climate isn’t too scorching or chilly, so you’ll be able to get pleasure from strolling across the cities and never have to fret about any inclement climate.
A whole lot of cities in Montana don’t have public transportation, so it’s as much as you to make your manner across the metropolis. Whereas Helena and Billings are distinctive in their very own proper, a number of the mountain “cities” are the very best within the nation.
Missoula is my private favourite as a result of its distinctive structure, phenomenal eating places, and enjoyable school-town environment. Montana cities are in contrast to many different mountain cities within the west; stuffed with historical past and continually evolving.
When to Go to Montana For Fishing
Fishing is the very best in Montana from mid-June to early July. Anglers can even have nice success in September and October. The months of July and August may be productive, however the hotter climate and heavy stress 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 Huge 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 as a result of excessive quantity of snow the encompassing mountains obtain.
September and October are different good months to fish. Most vacationers have returned to their dwelling states, and the water ranges have dropped. The fishing turns into extra technical, however the fish are hungry and desirous to feed earlier than the chilly winter temperatures hit. I like to develop my abilities within the fall.
When to Go to Montana For Tenting
Tenting in Montana is greatest from June to September. Be aware that early June and late September nights can drop into the 30s, however temperatures for many of July and August are excellent. For those who’re in greater elevations like Pink Lodge or Missoula, the nights repeatedly drop into the 40s, so that you gained’t ever be too scorching if you’re sleeping.
The primary factor to pay attention to throughout these months is that campgrounds may be extraordinarily busy. Pay shut consideration to reservation techniques in March and April once they start opening dates to ebook. You’ll wish to soar on these!
There are lots of 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 all over, so you’ll be able to dwell slightly extra with no plan and nonetheless discover an excellent place to remain.
Dispersed tenting is free, however you gained’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 select 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 Nationwide 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.
Many of the parks shall be absolutely open by mid-July. Sure elements have reservation techniques that final till the top of August, so visiting in September and October is greatest as you gained’t have to fret about reserving your reservation as far upfront.
Yellowstone Nationwide Park is way additional south than Glacier, so many of the park is accessible in June. A number of the higher-elevation trails will nonetheless be lined in snow by means of early July, however many of the park is straightforward to get to. Wildlife in Yellowstone is energetic in June because the temperatures are rather less extreme.
Wildlife remains to be out and about in July and August, however it’s most energetic in the course of the mornings and evenings.
Each Glacier and Yellowstone are two of my favourite parks in your complete nation. The quantity of backcountry land accessible to discover in every park is in contrast to every other park within the decrease 48.
Montana’s backcountry is my favourite place within the United States and easy functions for backcountry permits give you every week’s entry to stunning trails, phenomenal wildlife, and nice fishing.
When to Go to Montana For Low-cost Costs
For affordable 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 fuel are decrease in the course of the shoulder and off-seasons.
Lodging fills up quick in the course of the summer time, however accommodations and trip leases are eager for bookings in the course of the offseasons when costs are closely decreased in comparison with the height season.
Guides, outfitters, and expertise hosts are additionally conscious of the decrease site visitors in the course of the offseasons they usually’ll usually provide huge reductions outdoors of months that see extra guests.
Bear in mind that it could take slightly extra work to seek out outfitters throughout this time as many will nearly shut down in the course of the offseasons.
Montana has boomed in reputation prior to now 10 years, so costs proceed to rise whatever the time of yr. Nevertheless, if you need an opportunity at some extra affordable choices, go to in the course of the shoulder and off seasons.
When to Go to Montana For Mountaineering
Mountaineering is greatest in Montana from July to September. Montana is greatest to hike when all the trails are almost broad open and are away from snow. It often takes till mid-July for many trails to utterly clear and lots of routes throughout the state gained’t ever clear fully, 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 Pink 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 number of the greatest I’ve ever seen. It’s a must to earn the views, however they’re at all times 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 gives its personal distinctive climate and adventures. Whereas some months are simpler to go to than others, all of them give guests entry to the wonderful elements of the state. As soon as 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 nearly fully lined in snow, so winter actions are on the forefront of everybody’s thoughts.
At over 5,000 or 6,000 ft elevation, there’s more likely to be a couple of ft 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, persons are targeted on snowboarding, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. The circumstances are excellent for winter actions all through your 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 Huge Sky at the moment – often, after I’ve ice-fished or snowboarded at Huge Sky Resort.
Montana in February
In February, Montana remains to be within the midst of winter, however the vacationer numbers aren’t as excessive as they’re at first of the yr.
Climate in Montana in February
The climate in February isn’t fully totally different than the climate in January. The common temperature throughout the state is 27 levels Fahrenheit and snow remains to be a standard incidence.
At greater elevations, temperatures hover across the single digits at night time and the mid-teens or low-20s in the course of the day. Snow repeatedly happens with a few ft of contemporary powder hitting the mountains each few weeks.
Issues To Do in Montana in February
In February, vacationers are both spending their time fully 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 be nice in February. With barely hotter temperatures, fish grow to be extra energetic. Canyon Ferry Reservoir close to Helena is among the greatest locations to ice fish in Montana in February.
Montana in March
Montana in March is among the slowest by way of 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 a couple of snow storms all through the month and a few excessive temperatures, however decrease elevation areas grow to be fairly snug.
At elevations close to 5,000 ft, winter remains to be in drive in March. The key distinction is that there’ll often be abnormally heat days within the 40s and 50s, however 20-degree days and snow storms will nonetheless repeatedly 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 your 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 risk.
Persons are beginning to fish within the rivers and streams as a result of warming temperatures at the moment, and you may nonetheless go to the mountain cities earlier than they gradual manner down for the quiet season.
Montana in April
April in Montana is one other gradual month for tourism and the climate begins to grow 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 a couple of 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 may 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. In consequence, there isn’t a concrete exercise that at all times happens. Mountaineering trails are moist from snowmelt, rivers are starting to fill, and the ski resorts are possible closed.
In consequence, most individuals keep at decrease elevations and luxuriate 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 Could
In Could, the vacationer numbers are nonetheless down and the snow runoff is at its peak. The vegetation are starting to bloom and nearly every little thing is moist.
Climate in Montana in Could
In Could, the climate throughout Montana is way hotter. Common temperatures climb into the mid-60s, however rain remains 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. Bear in mind that Could is a standard time for flooding in Montana.
Issues To Do in Montana in Could
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 number of the quaint mountain cities as they put together for the height summer time season.
Driving excursions and wildlife excursions are nice in Could. Go to Yellowstone Nationwide Park and see the park come to life after an extended winter.
Montana in June
Peak season in Montana begins in June and nearly all summer time actions can be found for vacationers to get pleasure from.
Climate in Montana in June
The climate in June throughout the state is nearly at its greatest. Temperatures in the course of the day are within the mid-70s at decrease elevations and rain isn’t as widespread as it’s throughout April and Could.
At greater elevations, the temperatures are within the high-60s and mid-70s. All the things is starting to dry and grow to be way more accessible for adventurers.
Issues To Do in Montana in June
When you gained’t possible be summiting any peaks in June, many trails under 10,000 ft elevation are way more accessible, and most of the trails throughout the nationwide parks are accessible.
Runoff has often 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 often dry.
Within the mountains, July is a good month. The times are often 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 number of the most typical actions.
Each time I go to in July, I attempt to cowl as many miles on trails as I can. Lots of the higher-elevation trails grow 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 time actions at their peak.
Climate in Montana in August
August in Montana is similar to July. The decrease elevations may 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 remains to be stuffed with summer time actions. A number of the areas which might be packed by snow within the winter lastly grow to be accessible in August, so preserve that in thoughts. Biking, climbing, and climbing are in style actions throughout this time.
Fishing may be gradual as a result of much less rainfall and hotter temperatures, so ensure you’re out early or within the evenings to have the very best likelihood.
Montana in September
Montana in September is when vacationers start to go away and every little thing begins to settle down after a full summer time of thousands and thousands of holiday makers passing by means of the state.
Climate in Montana in September
September in Montana is when the temperature variations between high and low elevations grow to be huge. At low elevations, temperatures are repeatedly 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 may be intense.
Issues To Do in Montana in September
September is the very best month to strive all the standard summer time actions in Montana. Nowhere is absolutely lined by snow and a number of the hottest locations grow to be far quieter as a result of decrease ranges of vacationers.
Mountaineering, fishing, climbing, and biking are nonetheless what try to be doing in September. My favourite half is that the bushes at greater elevations start to alter colours.
Montana in October
Fall colours and funky temperatures fill the state in October with nearly all summer time actions nonetheless accessible.
Climate in Montana in October
The climate in October at decrease elevations is often someplace within the 60s and low 70s at first of the month. By the top, temperatures solely attain into the 50s for highs.
At elevations above 5,000 ft, temperatures are constantly within the 50s and the nights are someplace within the 30s. Plus, snow is beginning to fall at these elevations above 8,000 ft.
Issues To Do in Montana in October
In October, most summer time actions are nonetheless accessible on the decrease elevations. You gained’t be spending time above 8,000 or 9,000 ft with out seeing snow, however under that, you’ll be able to nonetheless hike, bike, and climb with out worrying about an excessive amount of snow.
Fishing can be nice in October. I like to fish in October as a result of the fish are desirous to fatten up earlier than winter absolutely hits. Try Rock Creek close to Pink Lodge. I at all times 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 constantly see temperatures within the low-40s in the course of the day and 20s and 30s at night time.
Within the mountains, winter has arrived by November. Temperatures sit across the freezing mark in the course of the day and drop into the kids and 20s at night time. Plus, snow is beginning to hit repeatedly at elevations above 5,000 or 6,000 ft.
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 be extraordinarily in style.
Spend time within the cities and on concrete throughout November. Montana often wants this month to transition into full winter mode.
Montana in December
All winter actions grow to be accessible in December as a result of 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 constantly hitting greater elevations above 5,000 ft. It’s a winter wonderland all over the place you flip within the mountains all through December.
Issues To Do in Montana in December
Snowfall needs to be excessive sufficient that each one ski resorts are open and winter actions are in full impact. Snowboard, ski, ice fish, and snowshoe your manner across the mountains – they’re a must-see in winter by all means.
Most cities have embellished properly for Christmas, in order that they’re nice to go to after an extended day of adventuring.
In Conclusion
Selecting the very best time to go to Montana isn’t at all times the simplest as a result of number of actions accessible and the climate circumstances to pay attention to. For those who actually wish to expertise Montana and all its true magnificence, it’s greatest to go to throughout all 4 seasons. You’ll at all times discover loads to do.
Every time I go to, I discover myself feeling that I like a unique season greatest. Montana has by no means let me down no matter after I go to.
