Climate and monthly weather forecast
Shelby, MT

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The climate of Shelby

Geographically, Shelby, Montana sits at the crossroads of the Great Plains, earning it a Köppen climate classification of BSk, denoting a mid-latitude steppe climate. Characteristically, this subtype of dry climate shows noticeable variations in weather parameters throughout the year.

As for the temperature, it varies across the year in Shelby. In the coldest month, January, the daily high temperature averages 28.8°F (-1.8°C) with its companionship dropping to an average of 16°F (-8.9°C). At the height of summer, in July, temperatures climb to an average daily high of 80.8°F (27.1°C) and an average nightly low of 57.4°F (14.1°C).

Precipitation presents itself quite differently across the year, with both rainfall and snowfall contributing to the yearly accumulation. The most pronounced rainfall occurs in June with a total of 2.01" (51mm) over approximately 11.8 days. Unlike the rain, snow makes its most notable presence during February, with an accumulation of 4.17" (106mm) happening across roughly 10.3 days.

Correspondingly, the relative humidity varies month-to-month, with January experiencing the highest levels at 80% and August seeing the lowest at 40%. Another parameter to take into account is daylight duration, which ranges from approximately 8.4 hours in the depths of December to around 16.1 hours during the lengthy June days.

The best time to visit Shelby

Potential visitors seeking the warmest and sunniest weather could find June, July, and August to be the ideal months to visit Shelby, Montana. Not only does the mercury rise to a comfortable average of between 71.2°F (21.8°C) to 80.8°F (27.1°C) in these months, but those wanting longer days will appreciate the sunlight duration, extending to between 15.3 to 16.1 hours per day.

The worst time to visit Shelby

Conversely, the chilly months of December, January, and February may potentially prove challenging for visitors unaccustomed to colder, snowier conditions. With a high of 28.9°F (-1.7°C) registered in February and a chilly lower average of 15.4°F (-9.2°C) in January, it is wise to bundle up. Additionally, the sunlight duration dips to between 8.4 to 10.2 hours, presenting shorter days and longer nights.

Spring weather in Shelby

Spring envelopes Shelby from March to May, with temperatures warming significantly from an average high of 40.8°F (4.9°C) in March to 62.4°F (16.9°C) by the end of May. Corresponding nighttime temperatures display a similar warming trend, with a low of 25.9°F (-3.4°C) in March to a milder 44.4°F (6.9°C) by May.

Summer weather in Shelby

Summer in Shelby, commencing in June and ending in August, is characterized by its warmest and sunniest conditions. Temperatures reach their peak at an average high of 80.8°F (27.1°C) in July while the nights cool down to a comfortable average low of 57.4°F (14.1°C).

Autumn weather in Shelby

Autumn approaches Shelby between September and November, bringing about a marked cooling. September's average high begins at 68.9°F (20.5°C), cooling to 39.4°F (4.1°C) by November. Correspondingly, nighttime temperatures decrease from an average of 50.7°F (10.4°C) in September to colder average lows of 25.2°F (-3.8°C) by November.

Winter weather in Shelby

Winter, ushered in during December and stretching to February, is witness to the coldest temperatures of the year in Shelby. The daytime temperatures hover between 27.7°F (-2.4°C) and 28.9°F (-1.7°C) while the nightly lows reach down between 15.4°F (-9.2°C) and 16°F (-8.9°C).

Weather in January

January is known for being one of the coldest months in Shelby, Montana. Residents can expect a high temperature of 28.8°F (-1.8°C) on average and a low temperature dip to 16°F (-8.9°C). Along with the chilly temperatures, snowfall is a regular feature, adding a winter wonderland charm to the cityscape. Weather in January »

Weather in February

As winter continues in February, the temperatures in Shelby, Montana slightly rise and snowfall increases, reaching a height of 4.17" (106mm). Despite the increase in snowfall, February sees a decrease in the number of snowfall days from 10.3 to 9.4 compared to January. Weather in February »

Weather in March

With the approach of spring, March brings milder weather conditions to Shelby, Montana. The average temperatures start to rise and daylight hours increase, signifying winter's departure and spring's arrival. Despite occasional snowfall, the number of rainfall days increases from 3.1 to 7 compared to February. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April signifies the full arrival of spring in Shelby, Montana, accompanied by a considerable increase in rainfall at 1.1" (28mm). As the remnants of winter fade away, city residents enjoy an increase in daylight hours and a decrease in snowfall. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May ushers in the warmth in Shelby, Montana with an average high temperature of 62.4°F (16.9°C). The weather sharply transitions from the rain showers of April, welcoming the beauty of spring in full bloom. Rainfall slightly increases during this time and the lengthening days offer more sunshine. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June in Shelby, Montana, is the threshold of summer, with an average high temperature of 71.2°F (21.8°C). With increased daylight hours and longer spells of sunshine, it is the perfect time for picnics, barbecues, and pool parties. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July is the peak of summer in Shelby, Montana, and the city basks under the warm sunlight. With an average high temperature of 80.8°F (27.1°C), it stands as the warmest month of the year. In contrast to the winter months, cloud coverage is minimal, and rain or snow is quite rare, providing plenty of opportunities for long, sunny days. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August in Shelby, Montana, sees a slight dip in high temperatures from July, but the weather remains relatively warm at 79.9°F (26.6°C) on average. The summer heat persists, but relief arrives in the form of late afternoon rain showers. Weather in August »

Weather in September

A noticeable transition from summer to autumn occurs in September in Shelby, Montana. The high temperatures drop significantly to an average of 68.9°F (20.5°C) and the lush summer greenery begins to give way to vibrant autumn hues. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Shelby, Montana, is predominantly characterized by its cool temperatures and cloudy weather. This month sees a significant decrease in temperature, with highs reaching 53.1°F (11.7°C) on average. Although the mercury falls, the vibrantly colored autumn leaves continue to hold sway, creating a picturesque setting. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November brings further drops in temperature in Shelby, Montana, with average highs reaching 39.4°F (4.1°C). The city begins to prepare for winter as the first snowflakes start to fall towards the end of the month. The daylight hours are gradually reduced and the twilight descends early. Weather in November »

Weather in December

As the year comes to a close, December signifies the onset of winter in Shelby, Montana. Low temperatures average around 15.4°F (-9.2°C), bringing harsh cold and regular snowfall. The shorter daylight hours and frequent snowfall of 2.28" (58mm) set the stage for a white Christmas. Weather in December »
Updated: Aug 15, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the most humid month in Shelby?

The most humid month is January, with an average relative humidity of 80%.

What is the driest month?

January and December are months with the least rain when the rain falls for 3.3 days and typically aggregates up to 0.39" (10mm) of rain.

How many days does it rain?

In Shelby, during the entire year, the rain falls for 84.2 days and collects up to 9.29" (236mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow in Shelby?

Months with snowfall are January through May, September through December.

How many days does it snow in Shelby?

In Shelby, during the entire year, snow falls for 53.7 days and aggregates up to 20.47" (520mm) of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

With an average of 5.4h of sunshine, January has the least sunshine of the year.

What is the month with the lowest UV index?

The months with the lowest UV index are January through March, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.

What is the snowiest month?

February is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 10.3 days and accumulates 4.17" (106mm) of snow.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from MST to MDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from MDT to MST.

What is the rainiest month?

The month with the most rainfall is June, when the rain falls for 11.8 days and typically aggregates up to 2.01" (51mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow?

In Shelby, snow does not fall in June through August.

When are the longest days?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 16h and 6min of daylight.

What are the warmest months?

With average temperatures fluctuating between a high of 80.8°F (27.1°C) and a low of 57.4°F (14.1°C), July stands out as the warmest month.

What month has the most sunshine?

July has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 11.9h of sunshine.

When is the highest UV index?

With an average maximum UV index of 6, July is the month with the highest UV index.

What is the least humid month?

The least humid month is August, with an average relative humidity of 40%.

What time of the year is the coldest?

The month of December sees the average lowest temperatures, reaching 27.7°F (-2.4°C) at the peak and 15.4°F (-9.2°C) at the low.

What is the month with the shortest days?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 8h and 24min of daylight.

Average temperature
Shelby, MT

Average temperature - Shelby, MT

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (80.8°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (27.7°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is August (58.3°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is December (15.4°F).

Average pressure
Shelby, MT

Average pressure - Shelby, MT

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.13"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.86"Hg).

Average wind speed
Shelby, MT

Average wind speed - Shelby, MT

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (11mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (8.7mph).

Average humidity
Shelby, MT

Average humidity - Shelby, MT

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (80%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is August (40%).

Average rainfall
Shelby, MT

Average rainfall - Shelby, MT

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (2.01").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are January and December (0.39").

Average rainfall days
Shelby, MT

Average rainfall days - Shelby, MT

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (13.9 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (3.1 days).

Average snowfall
Shelby, MT

Average snowfall - Shelby, MT

The month with the highest snowfall is February (4.17").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July and August (0").

Average snowfall days
Shelby, MT

Average snowfall days - Shelby, MT

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (10.3 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are July and August (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Shelby, MT

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Shelby, MT

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 16h and 6min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 24min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 11h and 54min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 5h and 24min).

Average sunshine days
Shelby, MT

Average sunshine days - Shelby, MT

The month with the most sunshine days is September (22.2 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is April (14.7 days).

Average UV index
Shelby, MT

Average UV index - Shelby, MT

The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, October, November and December (UV index 2).

Average visibility
Shelby, MT

Average visibility - Shelby, MT

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).

Shelby, Montana, USA

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