The climate of East Helena
East Helena, located in the state of
Montana, USA, falls within the BSk category or Mid-latitude steppe according to the Köppen climate classification. This climate categorization evidences the dominantly dry conditions accompanied by a wide range of temperatures.
Throughout the year, month-to-month fluctuations in various weather parameters are pronounced. Average high temperatures range from 27.7°F (-2.4°C) in
December to 80.2°F (26.8°C) in
July, presenting a significant thermal contrast. Concurrently, average low temperatures differ from the chilliest 14.2°F (-9.9°C) in December to more comfortable 50.4°F (10.2°C) during July. A marked relative humidity transition from 85% in
January to its low point at 46% in July and
August reveals the variance in moisture content in the air.
Rain is not an everyday occurrence, but the range of average monthly rainfall is relatively tight, varying from 0.63" (16mm) in January and December to a slightly wetter 2.01" (51mm) in
June. Exposure to sunlight changes drastically during the year with East Helena enjoying 5.6 hours of sunshine per day on average in January, peaking at 11.7 hours in July. Snowfall is prominent during the colder months, with
February witnessing the highest snowfall of 6.18" (157mm).
The best time to visit East Helena
The best time to visit
East Helena is from late spring through summer, namely
May through
August. These months are warm, with average high temperatures reaching from 59.4°F (15.2°C) to 80.2°F (26.8°C). Relative humidity is at its lowest, below 50% in
July and August, making the warm temperatures pleasant rather than oppressive. Sunshine hours are also at their annual peak during this period, with between 11.1 hours and 11.7 hours of daylight daily. Rainfall is relatively low, particularly in July and August with less than 1 inch, offering a less disrupted outdoor experience.
The worst time to visit East Helena
Visitors are advised to avoid the colder months from
November to
February when conditions are at their harshest. Average high temperatures remain below freezing from 27.7°F (-2.4°C) to 39.7°F (4.3°C), and the lows plummet to between 14.2°F (-9.9°C) and 23.2°F (-4.9°C). Snowfall measurements average from 4.29" (109mm) to 6.18" (157mm) per month, further intensifying the cold sensation. The number of sunshine hours is at its lowest during this period, ranging from 5.8 to 7 hours per day, constraining outdoor activities.
Spring weather in East Helena
In the spring months between
March and
May, the weather in
East Helena starts to warm. Average high temperatures rise from 39.7°F (4.3°C) in March to 59.4°F (15.2°C) by May, while the lows ascend from 23.2°F (-4.9°C) to 36.9°F (2.7°C). Although it is a transition season, spring witnesses increased rainfall with values ranging from 1.1" (28mm) in March to 1.5" (38mm) in May. The length of daylight extends from 12 hours in March to 15 hours by May, providing more opportunities to explore the locale.
Summer weather in East Helena
From
June to
August, the weather in
East Helena is at its warmest and driest. Average high temperatures maintain between 69.4°F (20.8°C) and 80.2°F (26.8°C), while lows keep between 44.2°F (6.8°C) and 50.4°F (10.2°C). Summer offers the longest daylight duration with up to 15.8 hours in June, decreasing slightly to 14.1 hours by August. Rainfall declines during this season, from the highest 2.01" (51mm) in June tapering to 0.87" (22mm) in August.
Autumn weather in East Helena
The autumn in
East Helena from
September to
November brings cooler temperatures and increased rainfall. Average high temperatures drop from 68.2°F (20.1°C) in September down to a chilly 37.4°F (3°C) by November. Correspondingly, average low temperatures decline from 43.9°F (6.6°C) to 22.1°F (-5.5°C) within this period. Rainfall also elevates with 0.94" (24mm) in September, up to 0.71" (18mm) in November. Daylight hours shrink from 12.5 hours in September to a mere 9.4 hours by November, marking the season's end.
Winter weather in East Helena
In winter from
December to
February,
East Helena faces its coldest temperatures. Average highs range from 27.7°F (-2.4°C) in December to a slightly milder 30.4°F (-0.9°C) in
January. Low temperatures present even more severe cold, staying between 14.2°F (-9.9°C) and 16°F (-8.9°C). This season also witnesses the highest snowfall, averaging from 4.41" (112mm) in December, peaking at 6.18" (157mm) in February. Sunshine hours dwindle, delivering just 5.6 hours of daylight in December, reaching 6 hours by February.
Weather in January
East Helena,
Montana starts the year with a chilly atmosphere where snowfall happens on about 13.3 days, accumulating 4.41" (112mm) of snow in this month.
January's weather conditions are marked with a quiet and steady rhythm, transforming the cityscape into a white winter wonderland.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Winter in
East Helena continues into
February, albeit with an increase in snowfall to 6.18" (157mm) compared to
January. The month’s lower temperatures and high snowfall make it an ideal time for winter expeditions. Yet, the shorter daylight hours might require careful planning.
Weather in February »Weather in March
By
March,
East Helena,
Montana starts to show signs of spring. Warmer than the two previous months, it still keeps a winter coat, recording 5.12" (130mm) of snow over 11.7 days. Therefore, the anticipation of spring intermixes with the last traces of winter, especially in the earlier part of the month.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
East Helena,
Montana is a transition month with a noticeable increase in daylight hours. Although the last vestiges of winter persist with a snowfall of 5.12" (130mm), they are fading, giving way to spring. Milder temperatures allow the city to show signs of waking up from its long winter slumber.
Weather in April » Weather in May
As spring hits its stride in
May,
East Helena,
Montana is met with mild weather, leaving only a trace of snow at 0.67" (17mm). May signifies a time of renewal with greener landscapes and an increase in outdoor activities. Pleasant weather reigns supreme as the city fully embraces the spring season.
Weather in May »Weather in June
In
East Helena,
Montana,
June is a graceful and mild start to the summer. Living up to its reputation, June doesn't record any snowfall, a trend that continues until
August. With summer finally arriving, it's a time of jovial backyard barbecues and refreshing dips in the local lakes.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the heart of summer in
East Helena,
Montana with long sunny days featuring a peak average temperature of 80.2°F (26.8°C). While outdoor activities reach their zenith, residents also enjoy the relief of cooler evenings. The blue Montana skies, with a minimum cloud percentage, offer perfect conditions for outdoor pursuits.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August, similar to
July, allows summer to continue its reign in
East Helena,
Montana, despite a slight dip in the maximum temperature to 78.1°F (25.6°C). As the last full month of summer, it is a celebration of its joys. The long, sunny days invite the residents outside for adventure and relaxation.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
East Helena,
Montana sees the beginning of fall, despite a late summer feel with the temperature still reaching up to 68.2°F (20.1°C). The vibrancy of summer slowly transforms into the calmness of autumn. A slight chill starts to touch the morning and evening air.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
East Helena,
Montana brings the full essence of autumn, characterized by slightly cooler weather and beautiful fall foliage. As the city prepares for the upcoming winter, residents cherish the comfortable mix of sunny days and crisp evenings.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
East Helena,
Montana is a prelude to the winter, with its first notable snowfall of 4.29" (109mm) indicating a move towards colder weather. As the last month of fall, it retains a portion of its autumnal charm infused with a winter ambiance.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Wrapping up the year,
December in
East Helena,
Montana welcomes the full onset of winter with an average snowfall of 4.61" (117mm). The winter scenery of East Helena transforms the city into a winter wonderland. As the year draws to a close, the city embraces the winter charm and festive spirit, signifying the end of a cycle.
Weather in December »