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Best time to visit

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The Treasure State serves as Mother Nature’s own outdoor museum, with June through September as the best time to visit Montana. This is peak season, so book your hotel in advance. And while the national parks may be crowded, you can still find some open space to take in a moment of silence. Summer boasts mellow, warm weather as well as beloved attractions, such as the Montana State Fair and the Montana Folk Festival. October in Montana boasts spectacular fall colors, so take a drive and cruise on down Going-to-the-Sun Road or Skalkaho Highway. November through March marks harsh and snowy weather with biting night temperatures. However, along with numerous holiday events, this is the time to catch the Yellowstone Ski Festival and the Bozeman Ski Festival. Late spring is rainy but considerably milder, perfect for observing baby animals in their natural habitat.

41 things to do in Montana

Climbing

May–October Activity

Climbing in Yellowstone is diverse and full of excitement. This is a climbing hotspot with hundreds of peaks to conquer!

Birdwatching

mid-May–October Nature

This park is a good place to see water birds, migrating species, and birds of prey

Baby Animal Season

April–June Nature

Watch the first moves of new residents to the park

Beartooth Highway

late May–mid-October Activity

Pass along the highest route in the Northern Rockies

Morrison Jeep Trail

mid-July–September Activity

Test your nerves at one of the most challenging jeep paths in the U.S.

Skalkaho Highway

late May–late November Activity

Drive an isolated Indian pass through the Sapphire Mountains

Bozeman Ice Festival

December 11–15, 2024 Event

A gathering of climbers from all over the world

Montana State Fair

July 26-August 3, 2024 Event

Lots of summer-time fun in Central Montana

Montana Folk Festival

July 12-14, 2024 Event

One of the largest free festivals of the North West

Cracker Lake

July–September Nature

A beautiful lake in Montana's famous Glacier National Park

Fairy Lake

mid-July–mid-September Nature

A gorgeous lake surrounded by mountains and forests

Queen Bee Montana Marathon

May 19, 2024 Event

A flat and scenic course through the Big Sky Country

Going-to-the-Sun Road

July–mid-October Activity

Enjoy the views of breathtaking Glacier National Park while driving one of the most scenic roads of the United States

Big Sky International Balloon Rally

July 25-28, 2024 Event

The only hot air balloon festival in the state draws the public to Billings

Northern Lights in Glacier National Park

November–March Nature

The clear skies and pristine landscape of the national park provide a gorgeous setting for observing aurora borealis

Whitefish Skiing

early December–early April (best in February–early March) Activity

Ride down the slopes of the stunning Rocky Mountains in northwestern Montana

Skiing and Snowboarding Season

late November–mid-April (February–early March) Activity

The best riding experience, without crowds, and it won't break the bank

Whitewater River Rafting

April–September Activity

With friends, family, or even solo—rafting in Montana is a remarkable outdoor activity

Lake McDonald

late May–mid-September Nature

This beautiful glacier lake is famous for its colored pebbles

Fly Fishing in Glacier National Park

mid-May–November Activity

Glacier National Park is among top destinations in Montana for fly fishing

White Water Rafting in Glacier National Park

May–mid-September Activity

Add some adrenaline and water splashes to your Glacier National Park stay

Avalanche Lake

June–October Nature

The alpine lake surrounded by cliffs is fed by multiple waterfalls

Iceberg Lake

June–October Nature

Surrounded by iconic peaks and alpine meadows, this lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the park

St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls

February–early September Nature

The trail with multiple waterfalls is perfect for hot summer days

Glacier National Park Wildflowers

late June–early August Nature

Be prepared to see some of the most beautiful spots on the planet

Grizzly Bears in Glacier National Park

April–November Nature

These top-of-the-food-chain predators impress with their size, speed, and long claws

Bighorn Sheep

all year round (best in October–December) Nature

Glacier's permanent residents are easy to spot on mountain slopes

Fall Colors

mid-September–late October Activity

Autumn paints Glacier Country in golden hues

Glacier Viewing

mid-August–early September Nature

Don't miss your chance to see an active glacier

Mountain Goats

all year round (best in May–June) Nature

Meet the great northern goat and find out why it licks salt deposits on the rocks

Birdwatching

May–August Activity

Glacier National Park is a birder’s paradise

Kayaking

June–August Activity

It is impossible to swim in the icy lakes of the park, but they can definitely be explored on a kayak

Biking in Glacier National Park

May–June Activity

During the spring, roads are car-less and welcome bikers to fully immerse in nature

Saint Mary Lake

July–August Nature

With plenty of options for water sports, this lake is one of the most beloved among park visitors

Montana Fall Colors

mid-September–late October Nature

Fairy-tale like landscapes in America's most popular national parks

Fall Colors

late September–early October Nature

America's first national park is all dressed up for the fall

Hummingbirds in Montana

late April–September Nature

Take a chance to watch these beautiful birds eating from your feeder

Stargazing

all year round (best September–April) Nature

Big Sky Country is among top locations in North America to explore the night sky

Garage Sales in Billings

June 25, 2022 Event

Billings Biggest Garage Sale is a one-day event where you can sell and purchase anything you want

Yellowstone International Airshow in Billings

August 12–13, 2023 Event

Yellowstone has more than just beautiful nature—visit this thrilling airshow to see it for yourself!

Montana Renaissance Festival

June 7-8, 2025 Event

A medieval fair, nestled in Montana's highest mountains

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