The climate of Great Falls
Great Falls, located in
Montana, USA, is primarily characterized by a mid-latitude steppe climate, designated by the Köppen climate classification as BSk. This climate type typically includes a temperature range that fluctuates widely, both throughout the year and even within single days, coupled with sparse precipitation levels.
Investigating the provided weather data, it becomes evident that there are significant shifts in temperature as the year progresses, with highs soaring to 83.1°F (28.4°C) in
July and lows plummeting to 18.3°F (-7.6°C) in
December and
February. It underlines a climate that is markedly seasonal, shifting from chilled winters to warm summers. The majority of rainfall occurs in
May and
June, with amounts reaching 0.63" (16mm) and 0.87" (22mm) respectively. Notably, July is distinguished by the lowest rainfall of 0.2" (5mm), indicating a dry summer period consistent with the BSk classification.
Relative humidity shows a very mild fluctuation through the year, with the highest reading of 77% in
January and the lowest of 40% in
August. Similarly, cloud coverage follows a roughly analogous trend, with percentage hovering between 41% in January and 13% in July. The UV index peaks slightly at 6 during summer, specifically in the month of July, yet maintains a lower value of 2 for the rest of the year.
The best time to visit Great Falls
Given the weather data, the best time to visit
Great Falls would arguably be from
May to
June. Within this period, visitors can enjoy warmer temperatures (ranging from 52.3°F (11.3°C) to 72.1°F (22.3°C)), alongside more daylight hours (from 13.7 to 15.9 hours). Specifically, June offers the longest daylight hours, with an impressive 15.9 hours per day. Furthermore, these months are characterized by higher levels of precipitation, contributing to a more vibrant and verdant local environment.
The worst time to visit Great Falls
Contrarily, the months of
December,
January, and
February stand out as perhaps the least inviting times to venture to
Great Falls. Winters in this region are notably cold, with temperatures dipping to a frigid low of 18.3°F (-7.6°C) in both December and February. Moreover, these months report the least daylight hours, averaging between 8.5 hours and 9 hours per day. On top of that, snowfall is considerably frequent; particularly in December, with an average of 1.06" (27mm) falling across 7.9 days.
Spring weather in Great Falls
From
February to
April, the weather in
Great Falls begins to transition into spring. As this seasonal change occurs, the temperature gradually rises from 31.6°F (-0.2°C) to a more comfortable 52.3°F (11.3°C), while rainfall increases significantly from a mere 0.31" (8mm) to 0.55" (14mm). Additionally, daylight averages between 10.3 hours and 13.7 hours, indicating longer and brighter days.
Summer weather in Great Falls
The summer months, from
May to
August, are recognizable as the warmest period of the year in
Great Falls. Average temperatures escalate steadily, from a comfortable 63°F (17.2°C) in May to a peak of 83.1°F (28.4°C) in
July before falling slightly to 81.9°F (27.7°C) in August. During this period, the most significant level of rainfall is observed, yet July, the hottest month, records the least amount of precipitation, with just 0.2" (5mm).
Autumn weather in Great Falls
Moving into the autumn months of
September to
November, temperatures begin to cool, falling from 71.2°F (21.8°C) in September to a chillier 40.8°F (4.9°C) in November. Simultaneously, rainfall remains within a narrow band, fluctuating from 0.31" (8mm) in September to 0.35" (9mm) in November, which is a slight increase. The daylight gradually shortens from 12.5 hours to 9.3 hours per day during these months.
Winter weather in Great Falls
The winter period in
Great Falls, spanning
December through
February, is hallmarked by the coldest temperatures. On average, temperatures range from 19.8°F (-6.8°C) to 31.6°F (-0.2°C), with December exhibiting the lowest readings. It is also the time when the most snowfall is accounted, with December showing the heaviest amount, averaging 1.06" (27mm) over 7.9 days.
Weather in January
In
January,
Great Falls,
Montana sees particularly cold temperatures and notable snowfall. With a high of only 32.4°F (0.2°C), it's the chilliest month of the year. Those venturing outside should bundle up to combat the 77% relative humidity.
Weather in January »Weather in February
While
February continues the winter vibes, it brings a slight increase in daylight hours when compared to
January. The temperatures fluctuate between 18.3°F (-7.6°C) to 31.6°F (-0.2°C), while a record 2.09" (53mm) of snowfall blankets the town.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Transitioning from winter,
March brings the onset of spring to
Great Falls. Among the clear indicators of this is a substantial rise in temperature, reaching upto 43.3°F (6.3°C). This period sees a relative decrease in snowfall, while the rain tends to prevail with 0.35" (9mm) precipitated.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April is characterized by an increased interval of sunshine and warm temperatures. Temperatures rise substantially, with the mercury touching a higher 52.3°F (11.3°C). The weather in this month shifts positively compared to
March with more daylight hours providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May sees a noticeable increase in humidity and rainfall. The bout of precipitation is highest in this month accumulating as much as 0.63" (16mm) of rain. A comparative analysis of the declining period from May to
June reveals a continued escalation in temperature, but a decrease in rainfall.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The month of
June manifests the onset of the warm summer season with long sunny days. Extending sunshine hours to approximately 15.9 hours marks the apex, standing out as the month with the most daylight in
Great Falls. With the approach of
July, residents can anticipate the persistence of warm weather coupled with a gradual fall in humidity.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Great Falls experiences its warmest weather. The city’s climate peaks with high temperatures reaching up to 83.1°F (28.4°C). Known as the apex of summer, it's the hottest period within
Montana’s weather cycle. Transitioning from July to
August, the temperature stays relatively steady, providing a seamless transition.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August hosts classic summer weather, albeit with a slight dip in temperature compared to
July. Equipped with long hours of sunshine, reaching upto 81.9°F (27.7°C), it is a great period for water sports and beach activities. The expected weather transition from August to
September is represented by a significant temperature drop and a rising trend of rainfall.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As the summer ebbs away,
September brings forth fall in
Great Falls. The cold snap kicks off, with the temperature taking a sharp plunge to 71.2°F (21.8°C). This month signifies a transitional phase from the dry and hot
August to the wetter and cooler
October.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October captures the essence of fall, accompanied by dropping temperatures and beautiful foliage. Though no significant snowfall is recorded in October, the temperature dip sets the tone for upcoming winter conditions. As the month concludes and
November arrives, locals brace for lower temperatures and possible snowfall.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November welcomes the onset of winter. Citizens should be ready for a temperature drop to 40.8°F (4.9°C) compared to the previous month. As
December approaches, the temperatures continue to take a dive, with heavy snowfall becoming a significant possibility.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings in the cold winter weather and frigid temperatures. Reaching only 30°F (-1.1°C), it's one of the chilliest periods in
Great Falls,
Montana. The anticipated weather shift signifies a further drop in temperature as the new year approaches.
Weather in December »