Weather in December
December ushers in the full onset of winter in
Montana, with temperatures dropping further and snow becoming a defining feature, especially in the mountainous regions. The state's varied geography creates distinct weather patterns in the western and eastern regions.
The minimum temperature in December can be as low as 0°F (-17.8°C) and ranges up to 15°F (-9.4°C), while the maximum temperature typically falls between 25°F (-3.9°C) and 35°F (1.7°C). December is one of the coldest months of the year, and the record low for the state was set at -70°F (-56.7°C) in Rogers Pass on
January 20, 1954.
Snowfall is frequent, accumulating between 30" (762mm) and 50" (1270mm) in many areas, with higher amounts in the mountains. Ice and freezing rain may also occur, adding to the winter conditions.
Compared to
November, December sees continued cooling, with the arrival of more consistent snow and ice. Days are short, and the weather can change rapidly, with cold fronts from Canada often causing substantial drops in temperature within a brief period.
Tourism shifts towards winter activities, with skiing, snowboarding, and other snow-related pursuits becoming popular. The winter landscapes offer a unique beauty, with snow covering the mountains and prairies, and the state's natural parks taking on a serene and tranquil character.
- Billings - December »
In Billings during December, the rain falls for 6.8 days and regularly aggregates up to 0.75" (19mm) of precipitation. In Billings, during December, snow falls for 12.8 days and regularly aggregates up to 5.24" (133mm) of snow. - Missoula - December »
The months with the least rainfall in Missoula are July and December Rain falls for 6.9 days and accumulates 0.16" (4mm) of rain. In Missoula during December, the rain falls for 6.9 days and regularly aggregates up to 0.16" (4mm) of precipitation. - Great Falls - December »
The month with the shortest days in Great Falls is December, with an average of 8h and 30min of daylight. The month of December sees the average lowest temperatures in Great Falls, reaching 30°F (-1.1°C) at the peak and 18.3°F (-7.6°C) at the low. - Bozeman - December »
In Bozeman in December, during 18.5 snowfall days, 11.38" (289mm) of snow is typically accumulated. The month with the shortest days in Bozeman is December, with an average of 8h and 48min of daylight. - Butte - December »
The months with the least rainfall in Butte are January, November and December Rain falls for 5.7 days and accumulates 0.67" (17mm) of rain. In Butte during December, snow falls for 15.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 5.51" (140mm) of snow. - Helena - December »
In Helena in December, snow falls for 14.1 days, with typically accumulated 4.61" (117mm) of snow. January and December are months with the least rain in Helena when the rain falls for 7.9 days and typically aggregates up to 0.63" (16mm) of rain. - Kalispell - December »
In Kalispell in December, snow falls for 21.5 days, with typically accumulated 10.79" (274mm) of snow. In Kalispell, in December, snow falls for 21.5 days, with typically accumulated 10.79" (274mm) of snow. - Havre - December »
The month with the shortest days in Havre is December, with an average of 8h and 24min of daylight. Concluding the year, December offers typical winter weather in Havre, Montana, marked by the year's lowest daylight hours. - Anaconda - December »
The months with the least rainfall in Anaconda are January and December Rain falls for 8.1 days and accumulates 0.94" (24mm) of rain. In Anaconda during December, the rain falls for 8.1 days and regularly aggregates up to 0.94" (24mm) of precipitation. - Miles City - December »
In Miles City during December, snow falls for 9.2 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.5" (38mm) of snow. The months with the lowest UV index in Miles City are January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2. - Belgrade - December »
In Belgrade in December, snow falls for 15.3 days, with typically accumulated 6.46" (164mm) of snow. In Belgrade, Montana, during December, snow falls for 15.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 6.46" (164mm) of snow. - Livingston - December »
December has the shortest days of the year in Livingston, with an average of 8h and 48min of daylight. December has the shortest days of the year in Livingston, with an average of 8h and 48min of daylight.