Best times to visit Montana in 2023 are the peak months from June to August in summer and December to March in winter.
Montana is well-known for its serene beauty, rugged mountains, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. Seasonal festivals and events take place throughout the year to enjoy the glimpse and natural beauty of the Big Sky Country.
When is the right time to visit Montana and witness the stunning beauty of the state? The best months to visit Montana are between June to August in summer and December to March in winter. These are the peak months to explore Montana.
Other months or seasons are also worth visiting, as Montana is famous for its yearly festivals. The colors of the fall and the captivating charm of spring are also a must-see.
Besides the peak months, you can also visit Montana whenever you want. All four seasons of Montana are worth visiting.
If you plan a tour to Montana, we will guide you about the peak months and other best times to explore the Big Sky Country.
Peak months to visit Montana
The beauty of Montana is breathe taking throughout the year. However, during the peak months, a massive crowd from all over the state gather to witness Montana’s natural beauty.
The best months to visit Montana are from June to August and December to March. The summers and the winters are the best time to explore the Big Sky Country.
Summers (June to August) in Montana
During summers, Montana has the most favorable environment for tourists. You can enjoy the best time with your family and friends. The outdoor activities, adventures, and many recreational places are open to enjoy and to have some quality time after a boring routine.
Glacier National Park, Mcdonald Park, and other lakes and rivers are open for water activities, including swimming, fishing, hiking, whitewater rafting, boating, and much more.
Winters (December to March) in Montana
Winters in the Big Sky Country fascinate tourists the same as in summers. The outdoor activities include snow-capped mountains, ski resorts, snowboarding, snowshoeing, dog sledding, and much more.
Yellowstone National Park is the best place to visit in winter. You can stay in a forest service cabin, soak at Chico Hot springs, and catch a live show in Missoula, which is the best place to live in Montana.
Montana tourist spots are much more crowded during summers and winters. But, if you want to avoid this crowd and gatherings, you can visit Montana from September to November.
Besides the peak months, you can also visit Montana in any month of the year. There are lots of festivals and events which take place throughout the year. Let’s briefly discuss each month and the activities that Montanans celebrate.
January – The lowest temperature
The start of the year is always cold and cozy. January faces the lowest temperatures and snow in Montana if you are a winter lover or love snow sports.
You will enjoy snowboarding and ice skating in Montana. Big Sky resorts offer several events, including a night dance party, snoBar, and drinks made of snow.
Moreover, traveling towards the northern parts, you can witness the amazing aurora borealis. But remember to take food, water, and extra clothing layers due to extreme weather.
February – Snowstorms & blizzards
February in Montana is another cold month with an average temperature. You need to be more cautious regarding the weather conditions, as snowstorms and blizzards are more common this month.
For touring this month, a few events occur, including the Whitefish Winter Carnival, where they host Grand Parade, Pie Social, Penguin Plunge, and many other events.
Skijoring is another great competition to watch in the snow of Montana.
March – End of the winter season
The end tail of winter in March is still snowy and cold. Although there is a low number of tourists this month, you can still avail of low-budget offers and accommodations due to the fewer crowds.
You can enjoy St. Patrick s Day Parade, where you can watch the Irish dancers and listen to bagpipers. You can also enjoy snowboarding and soaking at Chico Hot springs.
April – Mild temperatures
April is quite a wet month in Montana. Due to the end of the winter, the snow starts to meltdown slowly. You need to be very careful in these weathers too. Must wear proper rain gear and footwear.
April is the best month to witness the hibernating animals and other wildlife, including the beers which came out after the winter. You can also attend the annual powwow event, where you can enjoy dance, drumming, food, and arts and crafts of Montana.
May – Flowers blooming
Goodbye to the winters, and welcome to the blooming wildflowers of spring that adds more beauty to the state of Montana. It is comfortable weather. You can enjoy it to the fullest without the extreme cold and hot.
Business owners organize many events. You can enjoy horse rides in Virginia city, Restaurant week, Grand Gala, and Burger Battle.
June – Sunshine
June is the best time to visit Montana before the vast crowd. The average temperature and sunshine make it worth seeing in June.
You can visit the parks and waterfalls and attend the events, including the Footsteps of Norman Maclean Festival, i.e., a literary festival held in wonderful Seeley lake Missoula.
Besides the sunny weather, Montana also faces heavy rainfall in June. So, avoid traveling to the vast plains, and remember to carry rain protection and layered clothing.
July – The peak season
July is the peak season for tourists, with extreme summers and many water activities. You can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, rafting, and many more exciting places to explore in Montana.
The Glacier National Park is the best place to visit as it comprises lakes, parks, and restaurants with lots of fun activities. Don’t forget to make bookings in advance otherwise. You might have to wait another year to visit this heavenly place.
August – Warmest weather
August is still filled with crowds and a large number of tourists. The days are long, sunny, and dry.
Apart from other activities, you can enjoy the Sweet Pea Festival of the state. The largest arts festival in the state in which there is lots of music, dancing, food, arts, and family-friendly programs.
September – Cooler weather
It is cooler weather, and goodbye to the summers. In September, fewer crowds and fall colors give a very peaceful and serene environment.
You can enjoy festivals and three-day events held in goodbye summers.
October – Fishing & hunting season
Autumn season is in full swing in October. The cold air gives you a feel of winter. The view of yellow-orange leaves looks stunning.
November- Colder temperatures
The end of autumn and the start of winter. The cold temperatures with snowfall at many places.
You can enjoy hot cocoa, Santa sightings, and shopping in Montana. Moreover, Polson and Helena’s lights are fun things to do in Montana.
December – Winter peak season
The winter’s peak season is in December. Many tourists gather to enjoy the winter at its full glam. The snowboarding, wildlife, hot springs, and forest cabin are all places worth enjoying in Montana.
Conclusion
Montana is a famous state due to its stunning beauty and mountainous landscapes. You can visit Montana at any time of the year. A large number of festivals happen in the state throughout the year.
But the best month to visit Montana is from July to August and December to March. The summers and winters are worth visiting in Montana. We hope the above article helped you plan your next tour to Montana. Have a wonderful time!
Photo by David Morris on Unsplash
