Best Time to Visit Montana for Travelers

Montana experiences the fullness of all 4 seasons each single 12 months. It has lovely heat summers, colourful and funky falls, chilly and snowy winters, in addition to life-giving springs. Every season affords superb journey and adventuring alternatives.

The seasons can, nevertheless, be harsh in Montana with heavy precipitation and excessive temperatures. Whatever the climate, there are infinite possibilities to discover all that Montana has to supply.

One of the best occasions to go to Montana are through the summer season and fall. The climate is cooperative and nearly all actions are on the desk. I’ve spent quite a few days in Montana by way of 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 typically come through the hotter months, however the mountains and lodging refill within the winter because of the 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 Mountain climbing: June, July, August, September, and October
For Nationwide Parks: June, July, August, September, and October
For Fewer Crowds: May, June, September, and October

Total Finest Time To Go to Montana: September

September is the most effective 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 dwelling after a number 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 way of August, however up to now 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 affords snug temperatures wherever you go to.

It doesn’t matter in case you’re tenting, fishing, or mountain climbing, the climate is right. The cool mornings and heat afternoons are excellent for adventuring.

I completely love the peace and quiet that September affords after a loopy summer season of vacationers masking 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 quiet down sufficient for fish to be lively longer).

One of many remaining 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 right now of 12 months.

Montana residents begin crawling out of their summer hibernation and start to take pleasure in all that the state has to supply now that the vacationers are gone. Every little thing is simpler to seek out and it’s simpler to journey across the state freely.

Peak Season in Montana (June – August, and December – February)

In the course of the 12 months, June by way of 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 all types of vacationers in between.

Most national park trails and campgrounds are fully full throughout this time. Costs are at their highest, and intensive planning is required to be sure to have entry to every thing you want.

Fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and climbing are among 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 a wide range of snowboarding and snowboarding out there within the state, first-timers, and households, all the way in which as much as professionals will be discovered on the slopes.

Snowmobiling, ice fishing, and cross-country snowboarding can be fashionable with company of Montana through the winter. This time of 12 months is unquestionably much less busy than the summer season, however you’ll discover excessive ranges of holiday makers in fewer areas, so it feels a bit 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 can be out there through the peak season in the summertime are basically all out there through the shoulder season too.

Among 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 night time. 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 number of tourists 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 components of the state are hit with snow, so runoff is in full pressure 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 attainable, however solely particularly areas.

Costs throughout Could and June are low, and if it’s been a very dry 12 months, this generally is a nice time to go to.

Off Season in Montana (October – November, and March – April)

In the course of the fall low season, adventuring will be very hit and miss. October and November present lovely 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.

When you’re prepared to work by way of some testing circumstances, you may have among 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 rapidly, so be ready. Areas like Bozeman, Billings, and different southern components of the state are greatest to go to in late fall.

Within the spring low season, you’ll discover that climate is everywhere. Someday it might 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 capable of 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. Convey your snowshoes in case you intend to hike!

When to Go to Montana For Swimming

One of the best time to go to Montana for swimming is throughout July and August. Since nearly all lakes in Montana freeze through the winter, the water wants time to heat up! Plus, the common 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 provide you with 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 National Park is thus far 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.

Whilst you’ll discover that lots 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, Big Sky, is greatest throughout this time of 12 months. Sure, the temperatures are chilly, however the snow circumstances are nearly all the time excellent – the excessive elevation and hundreds 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 offers you an opportunity to seek 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, however it’s not often wanted, particularly at resorts based mostly increased within the mountains. Bridger Bowl, Big Sky Resort, Whitefish Ski Resort, and Blacktail Mountain Resort are among the greatest decisions within the state.

The number of slopes and challenges, in addition to the gorgeous mountain views, are extraordinarily laborious to beat. Keep on with January and February, and also you’ll be glad.

When to Go to Montana For Cities

When you’re hoping to benefit from the distinctive cities in Montana like Bozeman, Missoula, Kalispell, Big Sky, and Whitefish, your greatest wager is to go throughout Could, June, September, or October. The temperatures are snug and so they’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 may take pleasure in strolling across the cities and never have to fret about any inclement climate.

Numerous 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, among the mountain “cities” are the most effective within the nation.

Missoula is my private favourite as a consequence 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 most effective in Montana from mid-June to early July. Anglers may also have nice success in September and October. The months of July and August will 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 Big Sky has a beautiful Salmonfly hatch every year.

Different rivers like Yellowstone and Madison supply 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 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 expertise within the fall.

When to Go to Montana For Tenting

Tenting in Montana is greatest 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 excellent. When you’re in increased elevations like Red Lodge or Missoula, the nights repeatedly drop into the 40s, so that you gained’t ever be too scorching once you’re sleeping.

The principle factor to pay attention to throughout these months is that campgrounds will be extraordinarily busy. Pay shut consideration to reservation methods in March and April after they start opening dates to e-book. You’ll need to leap on these!

There are various dispersed campgrounds throughout the state which can 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 everywhere, so you may stay a bit extra with no plan and nonetheless discover a terrific place to remain.

Dispersed camping is free, however you gained’t have any amenities, so be sure to’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 lovely spots to choose from!

When to Go to Montana for Nationwide Parks

One of the best time to go to Nationwide Parks in Montana is from June to October. Glacier National Park has sections which can be closed (Going to the Solar Street, and many others) till late June; be sure to take note of the nationwide park web sites to determine what’s open.

Many of the parks will probably 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 greatest as you gained’t have to fret about reserving your reservation as far prematurely.

Yellowstone National Park is way additional south than Glacier, so many of the park is accessible in June. Among the higher-elevation trails will nonetheless be coated in snow by way of early July, however many 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, however it’s most lively through the mornings and evenings.

Each Glacier and Yellowstone are two of my favourite parks in your 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 every week’s entry to lovely trails, phenomenal wildlife, and nice fishing.

When to Go to Montana For Low-cost Costs

For reasonable costs, you’ll need 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 hotels and vacation rentals 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 site visitors through the offseasons and so they’ll usually supply huge reductions exterior of months that see extra guests.

Remember that it might take a bit extra work to seek out outfitters throughout this time as many will nearly shut down through the offseasons.

Montana has boomed in recognition up to now 10 years, so costs proceed to rise whatever the time of 12 months. Nevertheless, 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 Mountain climbing

Mountain climbing is greatest in Montana from July to September. Montana is greatest to hike when all the trails are almost vast open and are away from snow. It often takes till mid-July for many trails to fully clear and plenty of routes throughout the state gained’t ever clear completely, however they’re satisfactory by the point August hits.

Sure, the paths are busy throughout these three months, however the higher climate offers 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 mountain climbing trails are among the greatest I’ve ever seen. You need 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 understand 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 completely coated 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 number 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 centered 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 right now – often, 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 originally of the 12 months.

Climate in Montana in February

The climate in February isn’t completely completely different than the climate in January. The common temperature throughout the state is 27 levels Fahrenheit and snow continues to be a typical prevalence.

At increased elevations, temperatures hover across the single digits at night time and the mid-teens or low-20s through 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 completely indoors or exterior 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 lively. Canyon Ferry Reservoir close to Helena is without doubt one of the greatest locations to ice fish in Montana in February.

Montana in March

Montana in March is without doubt one of 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 common temperature. It’s nonetheless not unusual to see a number 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 continues to be in pressure 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 repeatedly happen – winter isn’t completed 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 because of the warming temperatures right now, and you’ll nonetheless go to the mountain cities earlier than they sluggish manner down for the quiet season.

Montana in April

April in Montana is one other sluggish 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 number of days of rain.

At increased elevations, temperatures begin to rise and the runoff season begins. Snow begins melting and filling each lake, stream, and river round. There will 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 all the time happens. Mountain climbing 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 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 Could

In Could, the vacationer numbers are nonetheless down and the snow runoff is at its peak. The crops are starting to bloom and nearly every 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 continues to be widespread at decrease elevations.

At increased elevations, temperatures crawl into the 50s with some good spring rains that add to the already vital melting course of. Remember that Could is a typical time for flooding in Montana.

Issues To Do in Montana in Could

Like April, outside actions are a bit extra of a problem. The unpredictable climate and altering circumstances invite guests to go to among the quaint mountain towns as they put together for the height summer season season.

Driving excursions and wildlife excursions are nice in Could. 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 nearly 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 greatest. Temperatures through the day are within the mid-70s at decrease elevations and rain isn’t as widespread as it’s throughout April and Could.

At increased elevations, the temperatures are within the high-60s and mid-70s. Every little thing is starting to dry and grow to be much more accessible for adventurers.

Issues To Do in Montana in June

Whilst you gained’t possible be summiting any peaks in June, many trails under 10,000 ft elevation are much more accessible, and lots 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 attainable.

Montana in July

Montana in July is completely lovely 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 riding, and climbing are among the commonest actions.

Each time I go to in July, I attempt to cowl as many miles on trails as I can. Most 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 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. Among the areas which can be packed by snow within the winter lastly grow to be accessible in August, so hold that in thoughts. Biking, climbing, and hiking are fashionable actions throughout this time.

Fishing will be sluggish as a consequence of much less rainfall and hotter temperatures, so be sure to’re out early or within the evenings to have the most effective 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 way 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. Do not forget that the mountain storms in September will be intense.

Issues To Do in Montana in September

September is the most effective month to strive all the normal summer season actions in Montana. Nowhere is absolutely coated by snow and among the hottest locations grow to be far quieter because of the decrease ranges of vacationers.

Mountain climbing, fishing, climbing, and biking are nonetheless what try to be doing in September. My favourite half is that the timber at increased elevations start to alter colours.

Montana in October

Fall colours and funky temperatures fill the state in October with nearly all summer season actions nonetheless out there.

Climate in Montana in October

The climate in October at decrease elevations is often someplace within the 60s and low 70s originally 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 season actions are nonetheless out there 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 may 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. 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 constantly see temperatures within the low-40s through the day and 20s and 30s at night time.

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 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 capable of open in November, however most individuals are snowshoeing and snowmobiling round a few of these increased elevations. Cross-country skiing can be extraordinarily fashionable.

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 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 constantly hitting increased elevations above 5,000 ft. It’s a winter wonderland in all places 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 adorned properly for Christmas, in order that they’re nice to go to after a protracted day of adventuring.

In Conclusion

Selecting the most effective 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 pay attention to. When you actually need to expertise Montana and all its true magnificence, it’s greatest 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 greatest. Montana has by no means let me down no matter once I go to.