Weather / Climate

MONTANA CLIMATE

Montana has something to offer visitors all year round.

Non-residents may, mistakenly, think of Montana as an icebox. However, unlike many areas of the nation where winter settles in for keeps, Montana's cold spells are frequently interrupted by Chinook winds - warm dry winds that blow from the Rocky Mountains - and mild periods.

The advantage of Montana's weather system is that whether it's hot or cold, Montana is dry, and, therefore, neither oppressively hot nor oppressively cold.

Average daytime temperature in the state of Montana is 28 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 degrees Celsius) in January.

Montana's cold spells are frequently alleviated by Chinook winds.
If you're primarily interested in the state's historical, cultural and sightseeing attractions, it is advisable to visit during the summer months. This is when the largest number of resorts, hotels and attractions are open, and when most events are scheduled.

The warmest temperatures occur in July, when the statewide range is 64-88°F (17-31°C), although most places will record 90°F (32°C) a few times each summer. Parts of Montana west of the Continental Divide are generally cooler than the southeast. On summer nights, temperatures can drop to a cool 50-60°F (10-15°C), so a sweater will be more than welcome!

A light sweater may be a welcome relief on summer nights.

Autumn is also an excellent time of year to visit Montana, particularly Glacier Park where all the usual services are still available, but the crowds have diminished considerably.

In autumn the crowds have diminished, but the usual services are still available.

May to July is the rainiest part of the warm season. Average annual precipitation is 15 inches, varying from 10 to more than 100 inches.

In general, visitors to Montana will be wise to bring along a variety of clothes in order to stay abreast of the quickly changing weather. Montana is seldom consistently hot or cold. Every season holds surprises. Montanans dress in layers so that they can peel clothes off or add them on as required.

"Everyone complains about the weather, but no one does anything about it."
-Samuel Langhorne Clemens

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