The climate of Colstrip
Colstrip,
Montana, USA is governed by a BSk classification according to the Köppen climate system. Characterized as a mid-latitude steppe zone, this classification represents regions distinguished by temperate weather with both hot summers and cold winters. Dwellers of Colstrip experience varying weather conditions that exhibit minor fluctuations throughout the year.
Unraveling the provided climatic data allows diverse weather parameters to be observed. Temperature shows consistent fluctuations, with the highest average highs peaking at 85.5°F (29.7°C) in
July and plummeting to 30.4°F (-0.9°C) during
December. Similarly, average lows shift from an agreeable 61.9°F (16.6°C) in July to a brisk16°F (-8.9°C) in
January and December. Humidity averages also vary, with January and
February recording 80% and 79% respectively, while July and
August decrease to 44% and 42%.
Remarkable rainfall levels arise from
May to July, reaching a climax of 2.56" (65mm) of rainfall in May. In contrast, the driest months,
November and December, record an all-time low rainfall of 0.59" (15mm) and 0.47" (12mm) respectively. On average, snowfall commences from November through
April with considerable dips from May to
September. Sunshine hours are highest from
June to August, stretching from 11.2 hours to as much as 11.8 hours daily, while falling to a low of 5.3 hours in January.
The best time to visit Colstrip
Considering the climatic patterns, the best period to visit
Colstrip lies between
June and
August. During this period, temperatures are relatively warm, with average highs ranging from 75.6°F (24.2°C) to 85.5°F (29.7°C) and average lows falling between 54°F (12.2°C) and 61.9°F (16.6°C). In addition, these months enjoy extended sunshine hours, from 11.2 hours to 11.8 hours daily, providing ample daylight for outdoor activities. Humidity levels are also considerably low during summer, ensuring a comfortable atmosphere for sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Colstrip
The period encompassing
December and
January could arguably be deemed as the worst time to visit
Colstrip. These months are marked by considerably low temperatures, with average highs recorded between 30.4°F (-0.9°C) and 30.6°F (-0.8°C) and average lows dropping to 16°F (-8.9°C). Furthermore, daylight hours are at their shortest, averaging at 8.7 hours to 9.1 hours, which limits the time available for outdoor explorations.
Spring weather in Colstrip
In
Colstrip, spring weather occurs from
March to
May. During this season, temperatures gradually rise from an average high of 45°F (7.2°C) in March to 64°F (17.8°C) in May, while average lows transition from 28.2°F (-2.1°C) to 44.2°F (6.8°C) within the same period. The season is also characterized by escalating rainfall, beginning with 0.91" (23mm) in March, and culminating with the highest annual rainfall of 2.56" (65mm) in May. Sunshine hours also start to extend, with daylight increasing from 12 hours in March to 15 hours by the end of spring.
Summer weather in Colstrip
Summer in
Colstrip spans from
June to
August, carrying warm temperatures and high sunshine hours. Average highs oscillate from 75.6°F (24.2°C) to 85.5°F (29.7°C), while the average lows maintain a comfortable level from 54°F (12.2°C) to 61.9°F (16.6°C). Despite the apparent warmth, summer months register a drop in humidity, producing a comfortable dry heat conducive for outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Colstrip
Autumn in
Colstrip begins in
September and ends in
November. This season brings cooler temperatures, with average highs descending from 73.8°F (23.2°C) in September to 42.6°F (5.9°C) by November, and average lows similarly decreasing from 53.2°F (11.8°C) to 27.1°F (-2.7°C) over the same period. Autumns in Colstrip are also marked by declining rainfall measurements. Daylight hours gradually shorten through the season, shrinking from 12.5 hours in September to 9.5 hours by November.
Winter weather in Colstrip
Taking place between
December and
February, winter in
Colstrip is characterized by cold temperatures, snowfall, and limited daylight. Average temperatures oscillate between a high of 31.1°F (-0.5°C) in February and a low of 16°F (-8.9°C) in
January. During these months, snowfall rates rise, with February observing the highest snowfall of 4.33" (110mm). Daylight is also at its annual minimum, with hours ranging from 8.7 in December to 10.4 in February.
Weather in January
The New Year in
Colstrip,
Montana, USA, starts with a chilled whistle.
January's weather is marked by an icy grip, with snowfall reaching its fourth-highest level, 3.39" (86mm), alongside an average of 9.8 days under a snow-laden sky.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As
February rolls into
Colstrip, it brings a slight relief from the winter chill. However, it still ranks as the month with the highest amount of snowfall at 4.33" (110mm), spanning over 10.4 days. The gradual increase in daylight and sunshine hours in comparison to
January makes this time a tad sunnier.
Weather in February »Weather in March
In
March,
Colstrip starts showing signs of spring. As compared to
February, temperature figures gain a perceptible uptick and the snowfall declines to 3.66" (93mm) spread across 8.7 days. However, despite these signs, occasional cold fronts can drop the mercury, calling for warm clothes.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks a more definitive shift toward spring in
Colstrip. Although it may seem like it is time to shelve the jackets, April records the highest frequency of rainfall at 1.69" (43mm) making it the wettest month of the year. Simultaneously, the snowfall all but ceases demonstrating the real transition from winter to warmer times.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The weather in
May confirms the arrival of spring in
Colstrip with temperatures still on a gentle upward curve from
April. It is the time of year when regular rainfall continues, with an average of 2.56" (65mm) of precipitation. Lush greenery starts adorning the cityscape due to the prevalent precipitation and enhancing sunshine hours.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June welcomes the summer season in
Colstrip, presenting significantly warmer temperatures compared to
May. However, the increase in warmth does not mean a drought, as rainfall reaches 1.77" (45mm). Though there is a noticeable drop in humidity, it is not enough to cause discomfort during this time.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the peak of summer as
Colstrip experiences its warmest month. The unique element of this month's weather is the high temperature reaching up to 85.5°F (29.7°C). Sunlight pours abundantly, marking it as the sunniest period of the year with the highest UV index of 7.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The month of
August, in
Colstrip, sees a slight decrease in the summer heat achieved in
July. However, it still falls well within the summer category as the daily high temperature remains considerably above than in
June. This time also records one of the lowest rainfalls of the year at 1.54" (39mm).
Weather in August »Weather in September
Colstrip ushers in the fall season during
September. A palpable shift is observed in temperatures that cheekily dip from the
August figures. Notably, September marks the end of the rainy season in the city with the rainfall at 1.38" (35mm).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As
October unfolds in
Colstrip, it manifests the full spirit of autumn. The mercury level lowers further than
September, painting a clear picture of a plunging trend towards winter. This month becomes less wet than the preceding month with 1.14" (29mm) of rainfall and witnesses an increase in humidity.
Weather in October »Weather in November
The herald of winter begins with
November in
Colstrip. Following the declining trend from
October, the temperatures dip further to give that specific winter nip in the air. The novelty of this month appears in the form of snowfall, resurfacing at 2.99" (76mm) after a long summer break.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December rings in the full might of winter to
Colstrip, characterized by the lowest temperature ranges of the season. At the same time, snowfall mounts up to 3.15" (80mm) and befalls upon the city across the highest number of days in a year.
Weather in December »