The climate of East Glacier Park
East Glacier Park, nestled in
Montana, USA, falls under the Köppen climate classification as a Dfc zone, signifying a subarctic climate with severe winter, no dry season, and a cool summer. The geographical location contributes to a highly diverse climate pattern throughout the year.
Scrutinizing the climatological data, East Glacier Park witnesses significant variability in weather conditions. Snowfall plays a major role during winter, culminating by
December and dipping by
March with snowfall ranges from 20.16" (512mm) in December to a minimum of 2.32" (59mm) by
May. With such hefty snowfall figures, the percentage of relative humidity also shoots up to 93% in
January and trails off to 57% by
July.
Rainfall, on the other hand, maintains an even pace most of the year barring the bright summer where it plunges below one inch, hitting a rock bottom of 0.71" (18mm) in
August. However, rainfall registers an increasing trend from
September, reaching a peak of 2.56" (65mm) in December.
Temperature gradients present an interesting scenario with lows of 10.9°F (-11.7°C) in
February to reaching the zenith with around 73°F (22.8°C) in July.
The best time to visit East Glacier Park
The best time period to tour
East Glacier Park would definitely align with personal preferences, and contingent on whether visitors are inclined towards a snow-capped scenario or sunny and dry landscapes. For visitors inclined towards sunny days,
June to
August would be the most suitable window, where temperatures consistently hover above the 50°F (10°C) mark; June records 53.4°F (11.9°C) while
July and August register a high of 73°F (22.8°C) and 72°F (22.2°C) respectively. The sunshine hours shoot up to 11.7 hours in July, coupled with a reduced rainfall of less than one inch, ensuring longer sightseeing and exploration hours.
The worst time to visit East Glacier Park
The unfavorable period for a tour would be the harsh winter months from
November to
February. During these months, minimum temperatures plummet down to as low as 11.3°F (-11.5°C) in
December and snowfall records a high of 20.16" (512mm) in December and 19.17" (487mm) in
January, making outdoor activities highly challenging. Furthermore, sunshine hours are at their lowest during these months, registering a record low of 3.1 hours in December, reducing daytime considerably.
Spring weather in East Glacier Park
As
East Glacier Park transitions from chilly winters to warmer conditions, Spring months of
March to
May portray a gradual increase in temperature, starting with 25°F (-3.9°C) to 41.4°F (5.2°C) in
April to a comfortable 53.4°F (11.9°C) in May. Rainfall displays a slight uptick, making the region vibrant yet slightly damp. March notes around 1.93" (49mm) of rainfall, increasing progressively to 2.01" (51mm) by May. Snow gradually recedes with 11.85" (301mm) in March to a mere 2.32" (59mm) in May.
Summer weather in East Glacier Park
Summer, spanning
June to
August, ushers in more amiable weather conditions in
East Glacier Park. Temperatures soar, reaching a peak of about 73°F (22.8°C) in
July, before dipping slightly to 72°F (22.2°C) in August. Rainfall remains relatively sparse during these months, making it an excellent time for outdoor activities. June and July present a rainfall measure of 2.09" (53mm) and 0.79" (20mm) respectively. Sunshine hours also peak during this season, offering plenty of daylight for exploring.
Autumn weather in East Glacier Park
Autumn sees a gradual cooling down of the temperatures in
East Glacier Park from
September to
November. Temperatures drop from a high of 61°F (16.1°C) in September to about 31.5°F (-0.3°C) by November. However, the fall foliage and scenic beauty during this period are quite breathtaking. Rainfall starts to increase again after the dry summer months, registering a rise from 0.87" (22mm) in September to 1.81" (46mm) in November.
Winter weather in East Glacier Park
Winter in
East Glacier Park, stretching between
December to
February, is defined by significant drops in temperature, a high extent of snowfall, and reduced sunshine hours. December and
January observe the coldest months, with minimum temperatures dropping to 11.3°F (-11.5°C) and 10.9°F (-11.7°C) respectively. The region gets covered under a heavy snow blanket with a high of 20.16" (512mm) in December. Sunshine hours dwindle to their lowest, about 3.2 hours in December thus, reducing daylight substantially.
Weather in January
A tough and true winter month,
January delivers consistently low temperatures and elevated levels of snowfall in
East Glacier Park,
Montana. The mercury retreats from the
December levels, settling to a frigid range from 13.3°F (-10.4°C) to 25.5°F (-3.6°C), making January the coldest month of the year.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February continues the winter momentum but with a slightly easing frosty grip compared to the preceding month. The climate remains cold alongside frequent bouts of snowfall. Despite a marginal rise in daytime temperatures, the weather conditions in February still require substantial winter clothing.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March marks the start of meteorological spring in
East Glacier Park, promising a notable shift from the harsh winter conditions of past months. Ground frost thaws with temperatures standing between 19.2°F (-7.1°C) to 33.1°F (0.6°C).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
East Glacier Park is a transitional period, shedding the remnants of winter while welcoming the prospects of spring. Warmer temperatures between 24.4°F (-4.2°C) to 41.4°F (5.2°C) usher in a discernible change in weather patterns.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings substantial warmth to
East Glacier Park, initiating the countdown to summer. The easing frost gives way to temperatures between 32.4°F (0.2°C) to 53.4°F (11.9°C). Greenery adorns the landscape as flora flourishes under the nurturing May sunshine.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June brings a definitive end to the cool spring weather, leading
East Glacier Park firmly into summer territory. Daytime highs rise to a comfortable 61.9°F (16.6°C), making it more conducive for outdoor socializing and activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Summertime reaches its zenith in
East Glacier Park with
July, boasting temperatures at their peak, reaching up to 73°F (22.8°C). A notable decrease in cloud cover guarantees bright, sunny days ideal for summer picnics and outdoor fun.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August sustains the warm weather of the previous month, keeping
East Glacier Park bathed in summer glory. Outdoor activities continue to thrive under pleasant temperatures, and conditions remain fitting for outdoor gatherings with highs reaching 72°F (22.2°C).
Weather in August » Weather in September
September ushers in fall and a shift towards cooler temperatures settles in
East Glacier Park. The foliage begins to transform, showing off an array of colourful hues as part of the seasonal spectacle. Stepping into fall, the temperatures average from 37.8°F (3.2°C) to 61°F (16.1°C), a considerable drop from
August levels.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October's cooler months are marked by the heightened vibrancy of fall foliage in
East Glacier Park. The Autumn scenery comes alive with a rich palette of ochre, rust, and gold. Daytime temperatures gradually decrease, with averages standing between 28.6°F (-1.9°C) to 44.8°F (7.1°C), necessitating warmer clothing.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November witnesses a noticeable shift in
East Glacier Park's weather towards winter-like conditions. The first snowflakes herald the impending winter, with snowfall measuring upto 9.61" (244mm). The colorful fall foliage gives way to bare trees and increasing indoor activities.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
East Glacier Park marks the undeniable arrival of winter, with freezing temperatures and substantial snowfall. The increasing chill in the air signifies the changeover from
November, dipping temperatures ranging between 11.3°F (-11.5°C) to 23.2°F (-4.9°C).
Weather in December »