Montana Weather / Climate

Knowing the Montana weather and climate helps in deciding what time of year to come for vacation and what clothes to bring. It isn’t always as cold as you’d expect!

Many visitors expect Montana's climate to be somewhat harsh. Montana's weather is milder than most might expect. Places like West Yellowstone and Cut Bank are notorious for posting record low temperatures, so some nonresidents might think of Montana as an extremely cold place. However, for most of the state, Montana winter cold spells are frequently broken by warm Chinook winds and periods of mild weather.

Most areas in Montana are somewhat dry, so whether it is hot or cold outside, the lowered humidity makes temperature extremes neither oppressively hot nor cold. Average annual precipitation throughout the State of Montana is just 15 inches, though some areas receive in excess of 100 inches of precipitation per year. Average daytime temperatures vary from 28 degrees in January to 85 degrees in July.

Winter usually breaks by April, with scattered snow lingering into May. Summer brings warm, dry weather, especially in July and August, though nights typically remain cool. Nights become colder in September, and scattered snows return. Fall colors arrive and linger through October. Winter snows increase and cold weather becomes steady beginning in November. Winter brings dry, powdery snow, that may become several feet deep at upper elevations, remaining well into spring.

Travelers to the State of Montana should bring a variety of clothes to stay comfortable by reacting to quickly changing weather. Temperatures in Montana are not usually consistent, but may change throughout the day or from one day to the next. It is recommended that one dress in layers in order to easily add or remove clothing.

- contains info from the State of Montana