Best time to visit Montana

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Montana

Best time of year to visit Montana

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.

32 THINGS TO DO IN MONTANA (JULY 25 - AUGUST 03)

Big Sky International Balloon Rally

Big Sky International Balloon Rally

July 25-28, 2024 • event

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

Montana State Fair

Montana State Fair

July 26-August 3, 2024 • event

Lots of summer-time fun in Central Montana

Lake McDonald

Lake McDonald

late May–mid-September  • nature

This beautiful glacier lake is famous for its colored pebbles

Going-to-the-Sun Road

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

Beartooth Highway

Beartooth Highway

late May–mid-October • activity

Pass along the highest route in the Northern Rockies

Hiking in Glacier National Park

Hiking in Glacier National Park

late May–October  • activity

A hiker's paradise, the park is rightfully called the “Crown of the Continent"

Glacier National Park Wildflowers

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

Grizzly Bears in Glacier National Park

April–November  • nature

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

Bowman Lake

Bowman Lake

May–October • nature

Get off the beaten track and explore the hidden gem of the Glacier National Park

Iceberg Lake

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

St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls

February–early September  • nature

The trail with multiple waterfalls is perfect for hot summer days

Train to Glacier National Park

Train to Glacier National Park

all year round • activity

Take a ride on an iconic Empire Builder to explore the park in an authentic way

Stargazing

Stargazing

all year round (best September–April) • nature

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

Whitewater River Rafting

Whitewater River Rafting

April–September  • activity

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

Twin Falls and Two Medicine Lake

Twin Falls and Two Medicine Lake

April–September  • nature

Discover the region that was considered sacred by the Blackfeet Indian tribe

Avalanche Lake

Avalanche Lake

June–October • nature

The alpine lake surrounded by cliffs is fed by multiple waterfalls

Cracker Lake

Cracker Lake

July–September  • nature

A beautiful lake in Montana's famous Glacier National Park

Hummingbirds in Montana

Hummingbirds in Montana

late April–September • nature

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

Fairy Lake

Fairy Lake

mid-July–mid-September • nature

A gorgeous lake surrounded by mountains and forests

Red Rock Falls

Red Rock Falls

March–October  • nature

An ideal destination to stop by and cool off on a hot summer day

Climbing

Climbing

May–October • activity

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

Morrison Jeep Trail

Morrison Jeep Trail

mid-July–September • activity

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

Skalkaho Highway

Skalkaho Highway

late May–late November • activity

Drive an isolated Indian pass through the Sapphire Mountains

Fly Fishing in Glacier National Park

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

White Water Rafting in Glacier National Park

May–mid-September  • activity

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

Bighorn Sheep

Bighorn Sheep

all year round (best in October–December) • nature

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

Mountain Goats

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

Birdwatching

mid-May–October • nature

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

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

May–August • activity

Glacier National Park is a birder’s paradise

Kayaking

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

Saint Mary Lake

Saint Mary Lake

July–August  • nature

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

Trout Lake

Trout Lake

June–mid-September • nature

Waters of this lake are serene and full of fish

16 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Northern Lights in Glacier National Park

Northern Lights in Glacier National Park

out of rangeNovember–March • nature

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

Yellowstone International Airshow

Yellowstone International Airshow

out of rangeAugust 12-13, 2024 • event

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

Fall Colors

Fall Colors

out of rangemid-September–late October • activity

Autumn paints Glacier Country in golden hues

Fall Colors

Fall Colors

out of rangelate September–early October • nature

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

Montana Folk Festival

Montana Folk Festival

out of rangeJuly 12-14, 2024 • event

One of the largest free festivals of the North West

Baby Animal Season

Baby Animal Season

out of rangeApril–June • nature

Watch the first moves of new residents to the park

Montana Fall Colors

Montana Fall Colors

out of rangemid-September–late October • nature

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

Whitefish Skiing

Whitefish Skiing

out of rangeearly December–early April (best in February–early March) • activity

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

Skiing and Snowboarding

Skiing and Snowboarding

out of rangelate November–mid-April | February–early March • activity

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

Glacier Viewing

Glacier Viewing

out of rangemid-August–early September • nature

Don't miss your chance to see an active glacier

Garage Sales in Billings

Garage Sales in Billings

out of rangeJune 25, 2022 • event

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

Yellowstone Ski Festival

Yellowstone Ski Festival

out of rangeNovember 19–27, 2022 • event

Start the skiing season together with thousands of skiing enthusiasts, numerous famous skiers, and lots of events and activities in West Yellowstone

Bozeman Ice Festival

Bozeman Ice Festival

out of rangeDecember 6–10, 2023 • event

A gathering of climbers from all over the world

Montana Renaissance Festival

Montana Renaissance Festival

out of rangeJune 1-2, 2024 • event

A medieval fair, nestled in Montana's highest mountains

Queen Bee Montana Marathon

Queen Bee Montana Marathon

out of rangeMay 19, 2024 • event

A flat and scenic course through the Big Sky Country

Biking in Glacier National Park

Biking in Glacier National Park

out of rangeMay–June • activity

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

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