weather in montana

Expect 10 to 13 hours of daylight during the autumn. Weather forecasts for all towns and cities in Montana State The best time to visit Montana is typically in the summer months between June and September when the weather is warm, and the skies are sunny. More than anything else, the Continental Divide shapes the weather in Montana, causing the often times dramatic differences in temperature and precipitation. Average highs are around 60 degrees F (15.5 degrees C), however, nighttime temperatures can be quite cold at 35 degrees F (2 degrees C) on average. Night temperatures can be quite cold so pack thick and warm layers. Visitors love seeing the fall colors spread across the state during this time and hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, and even camping are all popular activities. The combination of its northern latitude, its location in the Great Plains, the dramatic elevation changes and the numerous tall mountain ranges in the state all combine to produce some wild, wacky and generally unpredictable weather. NOTE: Page recently updated. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today 10Best, Michelin Guide, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Jetsetter. Yet, the Continental Divide doesn’t always prevent the cold air from invading western Montana. Weather for the State of Montana, with current conditions and weather forecast information across the state.Plus: Road Reports, Ski Reports, Webcams & more. The weather in Montana in january comes from statistical datas on the past years. During the winter months, though, western Montana usually has warmer temperatures than does the eastern half of the state – often times with remarkably substantial differences. "Climate Billings - Montana." Year * Month * Day * Data is available up to December 15, 2020. Montana - Weather warnings issued 14-day forecast. An additional Montana weather trait relates to clouds. What to Pack: Bears are still roaming around during the fall season, so be sure to bring bear spray with you if you’ll be exploring remote areas. Adventurers can ride snowmobiles through the park and enjoy less expensive accommodations. The second dramatic effect of the Continental Divide relates to moisture and sunshine in Montana. Because of this, during the winter months or during cold snaps that happen to occur during the rest of the year, it is not uncommon at all to have Great Falls shivering in 20 below weather (and windy) while Kalispell basks in 25 degrees above zero weather. You can jump to a separate table for each region of the state: Northwestern, Southwestern, South - Central and Eastern Montana. Wendy Altschuler is a Chicago-based travel and lifestyle writer who covers adventures across the globe. The western valleys experience the most rainfall. Yellowstone National Park is the most visited destination in this part of the state. Yet, despite the sunshine, temperatures are generally not too hot except during periods of heat waves. This is generally standard throughout the entire state, too. The US average is 28 inches of snow per year. The Continental Divide essentially divides Montana into two distinct big geographical zones that vastly influence the weather in Montana. Forecast - Montana. During the winter months, thoug… If you’re visiting Montana in the early summer, be sure to bring rain gear and water-resistant footwear. Kalispell, MT - Weather forecast from Theweather.com. See long range weather forecasts for the next 60 days for the Intermountain Region. While the winter months are the slowest in terms of tourism, outdoor adventures abound, from dog sledding to skiing to sleigh rides to ice fishing. Montana has, by and large, beautiful summer weather. MDT Travel Info, formerly MDT Mobile, provides traveler information focused on the State of Montana, including road conditions, construction projects, road incidents, still camera images, and atmospheric information. This is why many central and southern Montana mountain ranges receive so much snow – their huge vertical rise (measured from base to summit, which can exceed 7000 feet in places) is able to force abundant moisture out of weather systems that leave the surrounding area completely dry. For starters, let’s just go into a quick summary of the weather in Montana. Thus, I’ve prepared a Montana weather guide to give Montana visitors an idea of what to expect, weather wise, when venturing to Montana. The reason for these general traits in Montana weather is due to the Continental Divide. Montana weather is, to say the least, diverse. Popular cities and towns like Kalispell, Libby, Missoula, West Glacier, and Whitefish experience an average high of 86 degrees F (30 degrees F) in July and an average high of 33 degrees F (0 degrees C) in January. Generally, from July through September (summer in Montana), it tends to be generally dry throughout Montana, with sunshine the norm, with only a few days of clouds and light rain. The high peaks of the divide force moisture out of the weather systems that cross Montana, leaving very little for eastern and central Montana (or those areas that lie to the east of the Continental Divide). Copyright 2002 - 2018 Big Sky Fishing.Com, Thunderstorm Brewing in the Gravelly Range. The best time to visit Montana is typically in the summer months between June and September when the weather is warm, and the skies are sunny. The climate is fairly cool there this month, but it is endurable by dressing hot. Montana weather is, to say the least, diverse. Current conditions, weather, and forecast for Big Sky Resort, Montana. Get the latest coronavirus (COVID-19) updates for the USA with current travel advice, statistics and online resources.. Below are the temperatures expected today at popular destinations in Montana.Select a destination to compare today's forecast with average weather conditions. Snow and wind storms happen regularly and blizzards dump many inches of snow, which can cause road, trail, and mountain pass closures for multiple days. December 2020. Updated Montana State weather maps. For anyone who is venturing to Montana on a fly-fishing or pleasure trip, knowing what kind of weather to expect is very important. Plan for all kinds of weather when you visit Missoula during winter. The US average is 38 inches of rain per year. From June to September, the average high is 76 degrees F (24 degrees C). US Climate Data. World Population Review. The east side of the park is higher in elevation, which means that the weather is often cooler and windier. Read our. In southwestern Montana, in cities like Bozeman, Butte, Helena, Virginia City, and West Yellowstone, the average high in July is 83 degrees F (28 degrees C), with an average precipitation of 1.41 inches. Wildfires and thunderstorms are likely in late spring and early summer. This is more so if you plan to do outdoor activities in the mountains. On average, there are 189 sunny days per … Find the most current and reliable 7 day weather forecasts, storm alerts, reports and information for [city] with The Weather Network. Kalispell Weather Forecasts. What to Pack: Rain gear—jackets, ponchos, umbrellas—is necessary as are warm layers, water-resistant boots, and sun protection. The winter season can feel quite cold and long. In western Montana, look for … Our interactive map allows you to see the local & national weather "Montana." When this happens, conditions along the Continental Divide and near these passes, become less than pleasant as this very cold air blows through, resulting in cold, very windy conditions. The average high in January is 35 degrees F (2 degrees C), with an average snowfall of nine inches. That said, it needs to be noted that the many mountain ranges that lie to the east of the Continental Divide are high enough to force significant amounts of moisture out of weather systems. Montana, Montana gets 15 inches of rain, on average, per year. Temperatures are up to 49°F. Snow is present in this part of the state for 6.8 months on average. TripSavvy uses only high-quality, trusted sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Today’s and tonight’s Billings, MT weather forecast, weather conditions and Doppler radar from The Weather Channel and Weather.com Winter months allow tourists to see the park and its animals without crowds. Day by day forecast. Hand and foot warmers are also a good idea. Valleys of northwest Montana will see a wintry mix. Toggle navigation. If you are local to the area in which you need weather information, we encourage you to leave your own Montana weather report or traffic … Scroll down for new link to W.A.M. the weather in Montana in october is quite dry (with 2.8in of rainfall over 12 days). The first reason is that the divide hinders the flow of the often very cold air that invades eastern Montana from making its way over into the western part of the state. Be aware that wildfires not only affect Montana’s wildlife, forests, and vast landscapes, but they can also be the cause of poor air quality and road and site closures for tourism throughout the state. The month of July experiences peak temperatures, averaging 85 degrees-Fahrenheit and January sees the lowest temperatures, averaging 0 degrees-Fahrenheit. December 2020. On average, the weather during the summer is warm and dry, with mostly clear skies, and the weather in the winter is partly cloudy, snowy, and freezing. From time to time, these pools of cold air are “deep enough” (or are thick enough) to penetrate through the mountain passes along the Continental Divide. There are 13 to 15 hours of daylight during this season on average. You should expect 14 to 16 hours of daylight during the summer months. What to Pack: Warm, thick, moisture-wicking layers are a must for visiting Montana during the winter. The combination of its northern latitude, its location in the Great Plains, the dramatic elevation changes and the numerous tall mountain ranges in the state all combine to produce some wild, wacky and generally unpredictable weather. This season also welcomes the most tourists, especially in Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. Weather History for Places in Montana . Montanans love to play outside, no matter the weather, and even though the winters and shoulder seasons can be quite cold and long, if you’re dressed appropriately, you’ll find that the big blue skies and wide-open spaces are worth venturing out for. Climate in Montana. Last updated today at 22:14. Extra warm layers are recommended, especially at night. You can click a letter or simply scroll down in order to find local Montana weather for a specific city. See Historical Weather Data for a Location and Date. for Kalispell, Montana This is especially true during the winter months when inversions set in. Missoula tends to see less snowfall than the surrounding areas and have temperatures in the twenties (quite warm for a Montana winter). Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 18°F to 87°F and is rarely below 2°F or above 96°F . The tables give the normals for maximum and minimum temperatures based on weather data collected from 1981 to 2010 by the US … Consequently, this cold air is frequently unable to make it over the mountains to invade the western half of the state. You’ll want to pack winter boots, wool socks, gloves, hats, snow pants, and a heavy jacket. During the winter, inversions often keep the western valleys of Montana under clouds for weeks at a time, while over in eastern Montana the sun shines continuously. Montana Weather | News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News | KECI Billings has an average snowfall of 55 inches per year and the city enjoys 205 sunny days per year. These are just general rules, and change at the whims of nature, of course. Average Weather in Missoula Montana, United States In Missoula, the summers are short, warm, and mostly clear; the winters are freezing and partly cloudy; and it is dry year round. Montana weather. Unfortunately, the weather conditions is worsening than the previous month since in september there is an average of 2.5in of rainfall over 9 days. Weather conditions with updates on temperature, humidity, wind speed, snow, pressure, etc. NOAA National Weather Service National Weather Service. The lower valleys seeing rain with higher temperatures. Get to Know Seoul's Weather Before Your Trip, The Weather and Climate in Columbus, Ohio, Weather in Montana: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature. Toggle navigation. Extended periods of hot weather in the summer are unlikely while freezing temperatures at night in the winter are expected. The Continental Divide has a dramatic effect on weather in Montana for two reasons. From November to March, the average high is below 45 degrees F (7 degrees C) with an average low of 2 degrees F (-17 degrees C).. Early summer is prone to rain and thunderstorms, however, so plan accordingly. You can view the weather statistics the entire month, but also navigating through the tabs for the beginning, the middle and the end of the month. The state is split in two parts by the Continental Divide, each with its own diverse weather patterns. map. Weather Underground provides local & long-range weather forecasts, weatherreports, maps & tropical weather conditions for the Kalispell area. This occurs because that very cold air (you know, the stuff that is like -20 degrees) is usually just a “shallow pool” of air, often times not more than 2000 feet in height. This guide will cover the basics of the weather here in Montana – which will hopefully allow you to figure out what to take on your trip here. Jillian Dara is a freelance travel writer and fact checker. Nov December 2020 . What's the Weather Like on the French Riviera? Montana is the sixth coldest state in the nation and the eastern section of big sky country sees the chilliest winter temps. Glendive, Great Falls, Havre City, Lewis Town, and Miles City are located east of the Continental Divide and experience a semi-arid steppe climate. Montana State Weather. Bring appropriate footwear as well to keep your feet dry and warm. Billings, and south central Montana in general, is one of the warmest areas of Montana. "Coldest States 2020." July is the hottest month for Montana with an average high temperature of 83.7°, which ranks it as cooler than most states. While most tourists visit during July and August, when the weather is the most cooperative and dependable, a trip to Yellowstone in the winter is quite magical. Enter any city, zip or place. The dryness of the east, on the other side of the Continental Divide, is due to high winds. If you’re visiting the mountains, be sure to drink lots of water and stay hydrated. Also, the higher the elevation, the cooler the temperatures. Peak wildfire season occurs during the summer months when the state experiences warmer weather, lightning, and gusts of wind. The Old Farmer's Almanac's extended forecasts can be used to make more informed decisions about future plans that depend on the weather, from vacations and weddings to gardening, hiking, and other outdoor activities. December 2020. The weather in northwestern Montana is unlike other areas of the state. It’s 10 to 15 degrees cooler at Logan Pass at 6,647 feet (2,026 meters) high, for example, and snow can fall at any time. With fewer crowds in the touristy areas, compared to the summer months, spring is one of the best seasons to visit the state. Below are listed the National Weather Service forecast counties/zones (by names & by codes) for Montana. Early summer is prone to rain and thunderstorms, however, so plan accordingly. Forecast zone map for the state of Montana (Link opens new browser window) List sorted by County codes | List of States During the summer, eastern Montana generally has warmer weather than the western half – frequently much warmer. US Dept of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service Billings, MT 2170 Overland Ave Billings, MT 59102-6455 However, sometime an arctic blast rolls in and sends the temperature dropping. Expect approximately 8 to 10 hours of daylight during this season. Summer thunderstorms and snow (which can fall at any time of year) are the main sources of precipitation, which is relatively low at 10 to 20 inches per year. The warm-weather season is short, lasting 2.8 months on average, while the cold season lasts 3.4 months. Expect cooler and windier conditions in autumn, especially at higher elevations. Montana weather reports with current conditions in each city also include a 5-day weather forecast, any local weather alerts, and road conditions with live traffic updates. Wildflowers and plants come into view this season, as does wildlife, so be sure to prepare for any seasonal allergies and pack bear spray if you plan on hiking in the forests or mountains where bears are present. Here is today's weather outlook for Dec. 14, 2020 in Missoula, MT Dec 14, 2020 It might be a good day to bundle up indoors, with temperatures barely hitting 26 though it will feel much colder at . US Climate Data. The western portion of Montana is mountainous while the eastern section is prairie land. See the latest Montana Doppler radar weather map including areas of rain, snow and ice. The Continental Divide is a wonderful rain and snow-gathering machine. Accumulations will be light in the valleys and still have the potential for slick roads. Average temperatures for July at cities, towns, parks and lakes throughout Montana are listed below in degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius. As such, most areas in western Montana receive decent amounts of moisture, while areas to the east have significantly less – particularly the vast swath of prairie in Montana. The area of Montana that is west of the Continental Divide has much more cloud cover than eastern Montana. Free Long Range Weather Forecast for Helena, Montana. Shoulder seasons also experience frost. The most popular destination in northwestern Montana is Glacier National Park, where the weather is much different from the rest of the region. It can still be quite cold in spring and rainstorms are probable. Warm and sunny days and cool nights are the norm during the summer months, necessitating warm layers and rain gear when out exploring. Inclement Weather in the Pacific Northwest Through the Weekend. Billings, Cooke City, and Red Lodge are popular cities in south central Montana. Weather in Montana in january 2021. MDT Travel Info is an official app of the Montana Department of Transportation. Weather warnings issued. Temperatures also vary depending on altitude, geography, and topography. I-90 weather conditions in Montana; I-90 weather conditions near Missoula, Montana; I-90 weather conditions near Butte, Montana; I-90 weather conditions near Bozeman, Montana; I-90 weather conditions near Billings, Montana A couple of frontal systems will pass through the Pacific Northwest through the weekend bringing coastal and lower elevation rain, which may cause flooding, high elevation snow extending from the Cascades to the Northern Rockies, and gusty winds. Current weather in Billings and forecast for today, tomorrow, and next 14 days Prepare for the sun by packing sunblock, hats, and long sleeves in mid-summer. Montana County Forecast RSS Feed Listing. The Weather and Climate in the Netherlands, The Weather and Climate in Yellowstone National Park, Weather in Sweden: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature, The Weather and Climate in Northwest China. Tonight, Light cloud and a gentle breeze. Montana Weather General Forecast 044 FPUS65 KTFX 161746 SFPMT State Forecast For Montana National Weather Service Great Falls MT 1046 AM MST Wed Dec 16 2020 MTZ001.007-043-162300- West of the Continental Divide- National Weather Service Missoula MT 1046 AM MST Wed Dec 16 2020 .TODAY...Mostly cloudy with a slight chance of snow. Summers can be dry and hot, which increases the … What to Pack: No matter what time of year, you’ll want to pack layers to make the most of your time spent in the outdoors. West Yellowstone, the gateway to the park located in Montana, enjoys sunny, dry, and warm summers and experiences biting cold winters with lots of snow from October through May. Select a forecast county/zone to see the URL for the RSS feed. WeatherTAB Helena, Montana Help °C °F. During the summer, eastern Montana generally has warmer weather than the western half frequently much warmer. In Montana, there are 4 comfortable months with high temperatures in the range of 70-85°. Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) - Weather Information Montana averages 49 inches of snow per year. But, overall, eastern Montana (which is defined as that portion east of the Continental Divide) is drier than western Montana (which is defined as that part of Montana that is west of the Continental Divide). The Continental Divide, for those not familiar with it, are towering mountain peaks that meander through the entire width of Montana. December is the snowiest month in Montana with 9.6 inches of snow, and 9 months of the year have significant snowfall. A great resource to review before travel is the Montana Fire Conditions, listed on the Montana government site. January is the coldest, snowiest, and iciest month of the year across the state. Billings, the state’s most populous city with a population of 110,000 people, sees an average high of 87 degrees F (30.5 degrees C) in July and an average high of 36 degrees-F (2 degrees C) in January. On average, the month of March experiences the most snowfall at 10 inches and May experiences the most rainfall at 2.18 inches. Calendar overview of Months Weather Forecast. Summers can be dry and hot, which increases the frequency of wildfires in the state’s forests. The globe the area of Montana Red Lodge are popular cities in central. Area of Montana in degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius year weather in montana the globe cool! The local & National weather Montana weather is due to high winds 10 to 13 hours of during... That is west of the year, the temperature typically varies from 18°F to 87°F and rarely. Be quite cold in spring and rainstorms are probable than the western half of the Divide! 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