The climate of Missoula
Situated in the state of
Montana, USA,
Missoula displays a Humid continental climate absent a dry season but exhibits a warm summer season. The climatological classification, according to the Köppen system, is Dfb. The annual temperature oscillation is significant, with high temperatures peaking at 80.2°F (26.8°C) in
July while plunging to a cool 16.2°F (-8.8°C) in
February. The humidity ranges from 50% during the relatively dry summer months and rises to 90% in the damper winter.
The city experiences varied weather conditions year long. Rainfall spans from 0.16" (4mm) in July and
December to 0.47" (12mm) in
April. The number of rainy days sees a similar variance, with a monthly average high of 8.8 days in April and a low of 3.3 days during
August. Snowfall is present mainly in the cold months, reaching a peak of 2.36" (60mm) in February. This white blanket is absent in the warm months of
June, July, and August.
Gauging solar exposure, sunshine hours extend from 5 hours in the darker months, December to February, to 11.8 hours during the sunniest month, July. The number of sunshine days follows a comparable trend, peaking at 27 days in July and dropping to a lowest of 17.8 days in April. Missoula enjoys mild sunlight, with UV indexes ranging from a low of 1 during the winter to a maximum of 6 in July. The city is relatively shaded, with cloud coverage spanning from a high of 54% in February to a low of 14% in July.
The best time to visit Missoula
The idyllic visiting period in
Missoula is arguably during the summer months from
June to
August. In this period, temperatures are moderate, fluctuating between 60.3°F (15.7°C) and 80.2°F (26.8°C). The UV index indicates a warm 5 to 6, suitable for sunbathing and other outdoor activities. With rainfall having a monthly average low of 0.16" (4mm) and the number of rainy days limited to 3.5, visitors are unlikely to be hindered by precipitation. The higher daylight hours, 15.1 to 15.8 hours, allows for extended exploration. These factors combine to create a welcoming climate for vacationers.
The worst time to visit Missoula
Visitors might find the cold season, particularly the months between
December to
February, less inviting. Not only does the temperature plummet to a chilling low of 16.2°F (-8.8°C), but heavy snowfall averaging between 1.3 to 2.36" (60mm) can also be expected. Ranging between 8.6 to 10.3 hours, daylight is shorter, limiting sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Missoula
Spring in
Missoula occurs between
March and
May. The high temperatures during this season progressively rise from 39.6°F (4.2°C) in March to 60.3°F (15.7°C) in May and the low hovers between 22.8°F (-5.1°C) and 34.2°F (1.2°C). Rainfall peaks in
April at 0.47" (12mm), resulting in the highest rainfall days of 8.8. However, the last traces of snowfall tend to disappear by April end as he temperature rises.
Summer weather in Missoula
Missoula summers offer pleasant weather, lasting from
June to
August. Comfortable temperatures are experienced during these months, however,
July stands out with a marginally higher high temperature of 80.2°F (26.8°C). Countering a general trend, humidity is at a year-long low of 50% during July, significantly increasing the comfort level. Clear skies dominate, offering abundant sunshine hours, adding to the ideal summer conditions.
Autumn weather in Missoula
Autumn, extending from
September to
November, witnesses a decline in temperature, with highs dropping from 68.7°F (20.4°C) in September to 37.9°F (3.3°C) in November, and lows correspondingly following from 41°F (5°C) to 23.2°F (-4.9°C). The rainfall and the number of rainy days also follow a rising trend with the advent of autumn.
Winter weather in Missoula
Winter in
Missoula, spanning
December to
February, showcases snowy landscapes and cold temperatures. Highs remain between 30.2°F (-1°C) and 30.7°F (-0.7°C) while lows range from 15.4°F (-9.2°C) to 16.7°F (-8.5°C). With snowfall peaking at 2.36" (60mm) in February and the number of snowfall days maximising at 9 in December, it provides a scenic white winter setting.
Weather in January
As
Missoula,
Montana's coldest month,
January is characterized by heavy and frequent snowfall. While pressure upstream holds steady, the month transitions gradually from colder to somewhat milder conditions. Compared to
February, January offers shorter daylight hours, a higher relative humidity, and increased cloudiness.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The month of
February in
Missoula witnesses slightly warmer temperatures than
January, with slightly increased daylight hours that provide more opportunity for outdoor activities. Snowfall is still frequent, but the number of snowfall days and the amount of accumulated snow decreases.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The gradual warming trend that started in
February continues into
March. March comes with increased visibility and longer daylight hours, setting the stage for the arrival of spring. There's a marked decrease in the number of snowfall days and the total accumulated snowfall when compared to February.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Missoula,
Montana brings forth visible signs of spring, with increased sunshine hours and temperatures that continue to rise. As Missoula transitions from the wet season of
March, there's evidence of lower cloud cover translating to improved sky clarity.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May signals the start of pleasant weather in
Missoula, with an appreciable increase in daylight and sunshine hours. It precedes a warmer and drier
June, with slightly higher relative humidity and rainfall levels in comparison. A near complete departure from snowfall is observed, distinguishing May from the preceding colder months.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June brings a summer environment to
Missoula, as temperatures continue their upward trend from
May. The clear, sunny skies contrast the gloomier atmosphere experienced in
July, although the relative humidity and rainfall levels share similar measurements.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July typically represents the height of summer in
Missoula, presenting the highest temperatures experienced throughout the year. However, in comparison to
August, July reveals a slightly higher cloud percentage and lower sunshine hours and days.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August maintains the warm and dry conditions that characterized
July, making it another peak summer month in
Missoula. The month displays a reduction in humidity relative to the more humid
September, while boasting lower cloud cover and more sunshine hours and days.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The month of
September in
Missoula heralds the arrival of autumn, as temperatures dalliance towards lower measurements. Relative to
October, September's weather is considerably warmer with lower humidity and rainfall levels. While maintaining lengthier daylight hours, the month also records slightly higher sunshine hours and days.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Missoula encapsulates the essence of fall, as temperatures steadily drop from the highs experienced in
September. The declining temperatures, coupled with shorter daylight hours, set the stage for the colder months that lie ahead.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The month of
November ushers in the early signs of winter in
Missoula. It is noticeably colder than
October, despite a slight increase in sunshine hours and a similar pressure reading. The relative humidity and cloud cover experiences an uptick, which aligns with the increased occurrence and measurement of snowfall.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December welcomes the full effect of winter in
Missoula, with temperatures venturing into the cold range. This month is starkly different from the slightly milder
January, specifically in terms of lower daylight hours, less sunshine, and lower visibility.
Weather in December »