The climate of Billings
Nestled in the heart of the Western United States, in the region known as Big Sky Country,
Billings,
Montana is classified under the Köppen climate system as a BSk type, known as Mid-latitude Steppe. This classification typically sees cool to cold winters, and warm summers - a pattern that certainly holds true for Billings. With twelve months of varied weather parameters, it showcases an intricate mix of temperatures, humidity, rainfall, snowfall, daylight hours, and wind conditions.
Investigating the yearly temperature fluctuations reveals a range from highs hovering around 85.3°F (29.6°C) in
July, to lows reaching down to 18.3°F (-7.6°C) in
February. Humidity varies from a dry 40% in
August to a relatively moist 76% in
January. Rainfall, on the other hand, hits a high point of 2.13" (54mm) in
May and a low of 0.71" (18mm) in July, while snowfall chiefly occurs from
October to
April, accumulating up to 6.5" (165mm) in February.
What distinguishes the Billings climate is not only the fluctuations, but also the stark contrasts in its meteorological patterns and cycles. Billings experiences long, sun-drenched days in summer, with July and August boasting an average daylight duration of 15.5 hours and 14.1 hours respectively, compared to shorter, darker winter days, which offer a scant 8.7 hours of daylight in
December. Another notable feature is the sustained wind, averaging between 7.1mph (11.4km/h) during July to around 9.9mph (15.9km/h) in January.
The best time to visit Billings
Considering the climate conditions throughout the year, the optimal time to visit
Billings is arguably from late spring through summer, specifically
May through
August. During this period, daytime temperatures average from 53.6°F (12°C) to 83.1°F (28.4°C), making the conditions ideal for outdoor pursuits. These months also see predominant sunshine, with May offering 9.9 hours daily, ascending to a peak of nearly 11.8 hours during
July. This abundant sunlight combined with the relatively low rainfall of under 2" (51mm) per month, enhances the enjoyment of Billings' breathtaking natural beauty, from treks in the majestic Rims to tranquil walks along the Yellowstone River.
The worst time to visit Billings
The least hospitable period to visit
Billings undoubtedly falls between late autumn and deep winter, specifically
November through
February. Temperatures during this phase can plunge from 42.6°F (5.9°C) down to a frosty 18.3°F (-7.6°C), coupled with increased snowfall rates from 1.85" (47mm) in
October to a wintry peak of 6.5" (165mm) in February. The reduced daylight hours, with as little as 8.7 in
December, and frequent snowfall make it less suited for travelers who prefer milder weather conditions.
Spring weather in Billings
Spring, spanning
March to
May, ushers in steadily rising temperatures in
Billings, from 45.1°F (7.3°C) to 64°F (17.8°C). Correspondingly, snowfall diminishes from 4.45" (113mm) in March down to a miniscule 0.28" (7mm) in May. Rainfall, however, increases from 1.22" (31mm) in March to a high of 2.13" (54mm) in May, making this season a wet time of year. Despite this, there is a fair amount of sunshine interspersed with these showers, averaging between 7.6 hours per day in March and culminating at 9.9 hours in May.
Summer weather in Billings
Summer arrives in
June and leaves in
August, it brings with it the warmest temperatures, ranging from 75.4°F (24.1°C) up to 85.3°F (29.6°C). The rainfall minimizes to just 0.71" (18mm) as
July sets in, and the days extend, boasting up to 15.7 hours of daylight in June. Interestingly, summer also witnesses the lowest average humidity of the year, down to 40% in August, creating a noticeably arid climate. Clear skies further enhance this with up to 11.8 hours of sunshine each day in July.
Autumn weather in Billings
Autumn in
Billings, from
September to
November, is tied to decreasing temperatures that range from 73.2°F (22.9°C) down to a chillier 42.6°F (5.9°C). Rainfall during this period is relatively moderate with monthly averages staying below 1.3" (33mm). Clear days are fewer, but still prevalent with average daily sunshine hours decreasing from 10.3 in September to 6.2 in November. The first signs of winter appear with the arrival of snowfall post-September, accumulating up to 4.49" (114mm) by November.
Winter weather in Billings
Winter, from
December to
February, sees the coldest temperatures of the year, with
January hosting lows of 18.3°F (-7.6°C) and highs of only 32.9°F (0.5°C). Winters in
Billings also see the largest amount of snow with 5.24" (133mm) in December, moving to 6.5" (165mm) in February. The humidity is at its peak during the winter, rising to 76% in January. Despite the cold and snow, sunshine is still observable, amounting to 5.5 hours per day in December and January, before improving to 7.6 hours in
March.
Weather in January
January in
Billings,
Montana, locks itself into the stillness of winter with an average low temperature of 19.2°F (-7.1°C) and an average snowfall of 5.35" (136mm). As this is one of the coldest months, the city is often enveloped in a layer of powdery snow that helps to create an idyllic winter scene.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The chill of
January gradually recedes as
Montana enters
February. Snowfall decreases to 6.5" (165mm) and temperatures lurk between 18.3°F (-7.6°C) and 32.9°F (0.5°C). Sunshine is more present, but the month still retains a firm hold on winter, with snow-covered landscapes providing a beautiful backdrop to the city of
Billings.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March kicks off a gradual transition from frigid winter to a milder spring, with temperatures ranging from 29.1°F (-1.6°C) to 45.1°F (7.3°C). As winter's hold recedes, rainfall takes over snowfall with an average of 1.22" (31mm) of rain.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
By the time
April arrives,
Billings experiences a significant shift in the weather with a noticeable increase in temperatures from 35.4°F (1.9°C) to 53.6°F (12°C). The snow of winter is replaced by spring rain, accounting for an increased average rainfall of 1.93" (49mm).
Weather in April »Weather in May
In
May,
Billings gears up for summer with an average high around 64°F (17.8°C). Rainfall remains quite high with 2.13" (54mm), indicating the last showers of spring before the dry summer sets in. Nature is in full bloom across the town, adding splendid colors to the scenery.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Billings,
Montana, ushers in the early days of summer with an average high temperature touching 75.4°F (24.1°C). The dry season commences as rainfall recedes to 1.97" (50mm) and the city basks under an increased average of 11.3 hours of sunshine each day.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July stands as the warmest month in
Billings with the high temperature soaring to an average of 85.3°F (29.6°C). Rainfall hits its lowest for the year at 0.71" (18mm), making this month the driest. The summer heat sets the tone for idyllic days perfect for outdoor activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Billings,
Montana, sustains the heat of summer, mirroring
July with an average high temperature of 83.1°F (28.4°C). Despite retaining the high temperatures, the city witnesses an increase in rainfall to 0.98" (25mm).
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Billings commences the transition from summer to autumn with high temperatures reducing to an average of 73.2°F (22.9°C). The rainfall continues to remain moderate with 0.98" (25mm) on average. The weather conditions are generally pleasant, serving as a welcome relief from the heat of the summer months.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Billings ushers in the full essence of fall; temperatures decline down to between 39.9°F (4.4°C) and 56.5°F (13.6°C). Despite being one of the drier months with an average rainfall of 1.3" (33mm), the city is lively with fall foliage adorning the landscape.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
November arrives,
Billings,
Montana, transitions into the early stage of winter. Snowfall reappears, with an average fall of 4.49" (114mm), and temperatures are caught between 28.2°F (-2.1°C) to 42.6°F (5.9°C) on average.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Billings welcomes
December with wintery conditions as temperatures descend down to 18.9°F (-7.3°C) to 31.1°F (-0.5°C) and snowfall increases to 5.24" (133mm). The month stands as a precursor to the full-throttle winter of
January.
Weather in December »