The best times to visit Montana for ideal weather are

June 18th to September 16th

based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Read below for more weather and travel details.

 

 


Other Montana Travel Info

Weather in Montana

Temperature

Average temperatures in Montana vary drastically. Considering humidity, temperatures feel cold for most of the year with a very low chance of rain or snow throughout the year. The area is somewhat temperate — in the 41st percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above. If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Montana, the hottest months are July, August, and then June. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally mid July where highs are regularly around 86.5°F (30.3°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 52.6°F (11.4°C) at night.

Montana Temperatures (Fahrenheit)

Key
High
Average
Low

Montana Temperatures (Celsius)

Key
High
Average
Low

“Feels-Like” Temperatures

The way we experience weather isn’t all about temperature. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person.

Montana Perceived Temperature (F)

Key
High
Average
Low

Montana Perceived Temperature (C)

Key
High
Average
Low

 

Average Montana Temperatures by Month

Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night.

Show Fahrenheit

Month Avg. High (°F) Avg. Mean (°F) Avg. Low (°F)
Jan 34.7 23.3 13.2
Feb 34.7 23.2 13.3
Mar 47.8 34.3 23.2
Apr 56.2 41.5 29.2
May 64.7 50.8 37.8
Jun 74.5 60 46
Jul 85.3 68.6 52.2
Aug 84.1 66.8 50.7
Sep 74.6 57.5 42.4
Oct 59.2 44.9 33.4
Nov 43.4 31.4 21.1
Dec 32.7 22.3 12.4

Show Celsius

Month Avg. High (°C) Avg. Mean (°C) Avg. Low (°C)
Jan 1.5 -4.8 -10.4
Feb 1.5 -4.9 -10.4
Mar 8.8 1.3 -4.9
Apr 13.4 5.3 -1.6
May 18.2 10.4 3.2
Jun 23.6 15.6 7.8
Jul 29.6 20.3 11.2
Aug 28.9 19.3 10.4
Sep 23.7 14.2 5.8
Oct 15.1 7.2 0.8
Nov 6.3 -0.3 -6.1
Dec 0.4 -5.4 -10.9

 


 

Precipitation (Rain or Snow)

If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Montana are February, January, and then December. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around mid January. For example, on the week of January 15th there are no days of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in late May to early June with an average of 2 days of significant precipitation the week of May 28th.

When can you find snow in Montana? Weather stations report very large amounts of snow likely to be deepest around June, especially close to early to mid June. The best time to ski (if at all) in Montana is often around around June 11th when fresh powder is deepest. Please note that a value of 0 for snow in the graph below may either mean there was no snow, or that snow is unreported.

Chance of Precipitation

The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in Montana.

Key
Days with precipitation

Snow on the Ground

The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in Montana (in).

Key
Snow depth

Average Rain and Snow by Month

Show Inches

Month Daily Chance of Rain Average Snow Depth (in) Total Precipitation (in)
Jan 5% 5.2 0.5
Feb 5% 4.8 0.4
Mar 6% 4.3 0.6
Apr 11% 2.4 1
May 19% 2.5 2.4
Jun 18% 5.9 2.2
Jul 11% 0 1.3
Aug 11% 0 1.4
Sep 9% 1.2 1
Oct 9% 2 0.9
Nov 6% 3 0.6
Dec 5% 3.6 0.5

Show Centimeters

Month Daily Chance of Rain Average Snow Depth (cm) Total Precipitation (cm)
Jan 5 13.2 1.3
Feb 5 12.2 1
Mar 6 10.9 1.5
Apr 11 6.1 2.5
May 19 6.4 6.1
Jun 18 15 5.6
Jul 11 0 3.3
Aug 11 0 3.6
Sep 9 3 2.5
Oct 9 5.1 2.3
Nov 6 7.6 1.5
Dec 5 9.1 1.3

 

Humidity and Wind

Montana has some humid months, and slightly dry months in the opposite season. The least humid month is August (35.4% relative humidity), and the most humid month is December (60.3%).

Wind in Montana is usually moderate. The windiest month is January, followed by April and March. January’s average wind speed of around 9.8 knots (11.2 MPH or 18.1 KPH) is considered “a gentle breeze.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in early to mid March where average top sustained speeds reach 19.8 knots, which is considered a fresh breeze.

Relative Humidity (%)

The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in Montana.

Key
Avg. Relative Humidity

Wind

The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots.

Key
Max Sustained Wind
Average Daily Wind

Average Wind Speeds

Show Wind Speeds

All wind speeds are in knots. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH.

Month Avg. Wind Avg. Wind Feel Sustained High Wind High Wind Feel
Jan 9.8 Gentle breeze 18.5 Strong breeze
Feb 8.8 Gentle breeze 17.1 Strong breeze
Mar 9.3 Gentle breeze 18.5 Strong breeze
Apr 9.3 Gentle breeze 18.5 Strong breeze
May 8.1 Gentle breeze 16.7 Strong breeze
Jun 7.6 Gentle breeze 16.5 Significant breeze
Jul 7.3 Gentle breeze 16.3 Strong breeze
Aug 7.1 Gentle breeze 16.2 Significant breeze
Sep 7.2 Gentle breeze 15.4 Strong breeze
Oct 8.3 Gentle breeze 16.6 Significant breeze
Nov 9.2 Gentle breeze 17.8 Strong breeze
Dec 8.8 Gentle breeze 17.1 Strong breeze

Show Relative Humidity by Month

Month Avg. Relative Humidity
Jan 57%
Feb 58.9%
Mar 49.6%
Apr 43.9%
May 48.2%
Jun 46.6%
Jul 36.5%
Aug 35.4%
Sep 39.5%
Oct 49.5%
Nov 53.8%
Dec 60.3%

 

Is it Safe to Travel to Montana?

Our best data indicates this area is generally safe. As of Dec 04, 2023 there are no travel advisories or warnings for the United States; exercise normal security precautions. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. This advisory was last updated on Dec 04, 2023.


 

The Busiest and Least Crowded Months

The busiest month for tourism in Montana, United States is July, followed by June and August. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit Montana in November. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

Estimated Tourism by Month

 

Most Popular Months to Visit

Key
Tourists Seeking Accommodations

Tourism graph is based on Google searches for services used by tourists relative to the rest of the year. Tourism data for this area is very reliable. Displayed data is calculated relative to the peak, so a score of 44.5 in November means 44.5% of the tourists vs. July.

 

 

Overall Montana Travel Experience by Season

Spring (March through May)

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel moderately cold. Highs range from 68.5°F (20.3°C) and 33.5°F (0.8°C) with warmer temperatures in the later months. Rain is rare with 2 to 6 days of significant precipitation per month. Spring is the second busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do.

Summer (June through August)

The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are comfortable. These months see the most precipitation with 3 to 5 days of precipitation per month. June – August is the busiest season for tourism in Montana, so lodging and other accommodations may cost more than usual.

Fall (September through November)

Fall daily highs range from 74.6°F (23.7°C) and 38°F (3.3°C), which will feel chilly given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a normal amount: 2 to 3 days per month. Tourism is the slowest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be affordably priced.

Winter (December through February)

Weather is far too cold this time of year in Montana to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 40.2°F (4.6°C) and 28.8°F (-1.8°C). On average, it rains or snows a smalll amount: 1 to 2 times per month. These times of year are fairly slow with tourists.

 

Best Times to Travel› the United States › Montana, United States