The climate of Kalispell
Situated in
Montana,
Kalispell falls under the Humid Continental Dfb climate zone according to the Köppen climate classification. This climate type is characterized by the absence of a dry season and warm summers. A thorough observation of the given climatological parameters indicates noticeable fluctuations throughout the calendar year.
Two significant shifts in weather parameters, namely temperature and precipitation, dictate the overall climate of Kalispell. Monthly average high temperatures range from 25.9°F (-3.4°C) in
January to 77.5°F (25.3°C) in
July whereas monthly average low temperatures swing between 14.7°F (-9.6°C) in January and
December to 46.4°F (8°C) in
August. This significant temperature variation creates a diverse seasonal cycle.
The pattern of precipitation in Kalispell follows its own unique rhythm. Rainfall tends to be more generous in summer months with quantity peaking at 2.05" (52mm) in
June, while January and December receive the least amount of rainfall at 1.65" (42mm). The incidence of snow is prevalent from
October to
April with snowfall registering at its highest in January, hitting 11.3" (287mm).
Visibility varies moderately throughout the year with the maximum of 6 miles from
May to October and a minimum of 3 miles in January. Sunshine hours peak in July with an average of 11.9 hours while December sees the least amount of sunshine with 4.1 hours. Interestingly, the highest UV index captured is 5 seen in July, undoubtedly a product of lengthier daylight hours during the summer period.
The best time to visit Kalispell
Even though the optimal time to visit
Kalispell largely depends on individual preferences and planned activities,
July and
August typically offer the most favorable conditions. These months boast the highest temperatures with an average high of 77.5°F (25.3°C) in July and 77.4°F (25.2°C) in August. Furthermore, these summer months see the longest daylight hours, stretching up to 16 hours in
June and decreasing slightly to 15.6 hours in July and 14.3 hours in August. With noticeably less rainfall than other months - 0.63" (16mm) and 0.55" (14mm) in July and August respectively - these sunny, warm and dry conditions make summer the best time to explore Kalispell's outdoors.
The worst time to visit Kalispell
For those who are not fans of the cold,
January is arguably the least desirable time to visit
Kalispell. This month sees the coldest temperatures with an average high of just 25.9°F (-3.4°C) and an average low of 14.7°F (-9.6°C). In addition, January has the highest snowfall of the year with 11.3" (287mm), which also coincides with the shortest amount of daylight - just 8.9 hours. To further compound matters, January also records the highest relative humidity of the year at 93%.
Spring weather in Kalispell
Spring in
Kalispell brings about noticeable warming, particularly in the latter part of the season. The average high and low temperatures steadily rise from a frigid 36.5°F (2.5°C) and 22.3°F (-5.4°C) in
March to a more comfortable 59.5°F (15.3°C) and 35.6°F (2°C) in
May. During spring, rainfall levels also increase marginally from 1.93" (49mm) in March to 2.05" (52mm) in
June.
Summer weather in Kalispell
Summer in
Kalispell offers mild and pleasant conditions. Temperatures reach their peak in
July and
August with highs of 77.5°F (25.3°C) and 77.4°F (25.2°C) respectively, and lows of 46.2°F (7.9°C) and 46.4°F (8°C) correspondingly. Despite
June being the wettest month of the year with 2.05" (52mm) of rainfall, the remaining summer months are significantly dry. The UV index also reaches its highest point in July, indicating the need for sun protection.
Autumn weather in Kalispell
Autumn brings about a conspicuous decrease in temperatures with highs falling from 65.7°F (18.7°C) in
September to a much cooler 34.5°F (1.4°C) in
November. Similarly, lows also drop from 39.9°F (4.4°C) in September to 23.5°F (-4.7°C) in November. Rainfall peaks at 1.42" (36mm) in
October, before descending to 1.54" (39mm) in November.
Winter weather in Kalispell
Winter in
Kalispell is characterized by harsh cold temperatures and significant snowfall.
December and
January claim the coldest months' title with average highs of 25.9°F (-3.4°C) and average lows of 14.7°F (-9.6°C) respectively. On top of this, these months also endure the heaviest snowfall with 10.79" (274mm) in December and 11.3" (287mm) of snow in January. This is accompanied by the shortest daylight hours, with a mere 8.4 hours in December.
Weather in January
Frequent snow showers are part of the weather narrative in
Kalispell,
Montana during
January. The mercury tends to dip significantly at this time, as it is one of the coldest months. As the New Year unfolds, locals can expect daylight durations to start increasing gradually.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Kalispell begins to shake off the bitter cold as
February sets in, but it is still very much a winter month. Snowfall continues to be a routine part of the scenery, and the marginally longer daylight hours bring some respite. Being one of the months with less sunshine, the UV index remains subdued at one.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March heralds the onset of Spring in
Kalispell, bringing with it some subtle weather changes. The snowfall starts to wane, making way for more rainy days. Nevertheless, residents still need to wrap up warm as it is not uncommon for temperatures to dive down in the early days of spring.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks a definitive shift towards more temperate and inviting weather. As the snow melts away, rain becomes the major weather pattern. The city can also enjoy longer daylight hours, and the increase in the average sunshine per day further adds to the pleasantness of April.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May,
Kalispell's weather becomes significantly milder, with the lingering signs of winter finally disappearing. The rainfall indeed increases compared to
April, but the longer hours of sunshine compensate for this. The temperature gradient also becomes milder, making May a pleasantly warm month in Kalispell.
Weather in May »Weather in June
The arrival of
June in
Kalispell signals the onset of summer. With the increase in temperatures, locals and visitors alike can enjoy the longer daylight hours. The rainfall increases during this time, allowing for lush, green landscapes.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July sees the peak of summer in
Kalispell, with temperatures typically hitting their maximum levels. The longer hours of daylight, coupled with high temperatures, make this time perfect for outdoor activities. Although the heat index is high, the relative humidity plummets to the year’s low, keeping the heat manageable.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Continuing the trend of summer,
August exhibits similar weather patterns to
July. This month tends to be hot, and while rainfall slightly increases compared to July, the weather still remains relatively dry. The days are long, bright, and usually clear, inviting the residents to partake in outdoor activities.
Weather in August »Weather in September
Kalispell begins to transition into fall in
September, creating an amalgamation of warm days and cooler nights. Despite the temperatures starting to drop, sunshine remains abundant, and the gradually decreasing daylight hours start to hint at the approaching winter.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
With
October’s arrival,
Kalispell can expect a pronounced transition into Fall’s cooler temperatures. This is when nature puts on a colorful show as the city's flora changes hues. Rains become more frequent as well, contributing to the overall dampness of the weather.
Weather in October »Weather in November
As
November sets in, the weather in
Kalispell changes to a much cooler profile. It is this month when snowfall starts to become a significant part of the weather. The fall foliage gives way to bare trees, and the shorter daylight hours remind locals of the impending winter.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December witnesses the onset of winter in full swing in
Kalispell. This is the month when the landscape is painted white with significant snowfall. The short daylight hours and the less frequent sunshine contribute to the typical chill of the holiday season.
Weather in December »