Climate and monthly weather forecastBillings, MT
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Billings
Nestled in the heart of the Western United States, in the region known as Big Sky Country, Billings, Montana is classified under the Köppen climate system as a BSk type, known as Mid-latitude Steppe. This classification typically sees cool to cold winters, and warm summers - a pattern that certainly holds true for Billings. With twelve months of varied weather parameters, it showcases an intricate mix of temperatures, humidity, rainfall, snowfall, daylight hours, and wind conditions.Investigating the yearly temperature fluctuations reveals a range from highs hovering around 85.3°F (29.6°C) in July, to lows reaching down to 18.3°F (-7.6°C) in February. Humidity varies from a dry 40% in August to a relatively moist 76% in January. Rainfall, on the other hand, hits a high point of 2.13" (54mm) in May and a low of 0.71" (18mm) in July, while snowfall chiefly occurs from October to April, accumulating up to 6.5" (165mm) in February.
What distinguishes the Billings climate is not only the fluctuations, but also the stark contrasts in its meteorological patterns and cycles. Billings experiences long, sun-drenched days in summer, with July and August boasting an average daylight duration of 15.5 hours and 14.1 hours respectively, compared to shorter, darker winter days, which offer a scant 8.7 hours of daylight in December. Another notable feature is the sustained wind, averaging between 7.1mph (11.4km/h) during July to around 9.9mph (15.9km/h) in January.
The best time to visit Billings
Considering the climate conditions throughout the year, the optimal time to visit Billings is arguably from late spring through summer, specifically May through August. During this period, daytime temperatures average from 53.6°F (12°C) to 83.1°F (28.4°C), making the conditions ideal for outdoor pursuits. These months also see predominant sunshine, with May offering 9.9 hours daily, ascending to a peak of nearly 11.8 hours during July. This abundant sunlight combined with the relatively low rainfall of under 2" (51mm) per month, enhances the enjoyment of Billings' breathtaking natural beauty, from treks in the majestic Rims to tranquil walks along the Yellowstone River.The worst time to visit Billings
The least hospitable period to visit Billings undoubtedly falls between late autumn and deep winter, specifically November through February. Temperatures during this phase can plunge from 42.6°F (5.9°C) down to a frosty 18.3°F (-7.6°C), coupled with increased snowfall rates from 1.85" (47mm) in October to a wintry peak of 6.5" (165mm) in February. The reduced daylight hours, with as little as 8.7 in December, and frequent snowfall make it less suited for travelers who prefer milder weather conditions.Spring weather in Billings
Spring, spanning March to May, ushers in steadily rising temperatures in Billings, from 45.1°F (7.3°C) to 64°F (17.8°C). Correspondingly, snowfall diminishes from 4.45" (113mm) in March down to a miniscule 0.28" (7mm) in May. Rainfall, however, increases from 1.22" (31mm) in March to a high of 2.13" (54mm) in May, making this season a wet time of year. Despite this, there is a fair amount of sunshine interspersed with these showers, averaging between 7.6 hours per day in March and culminating at 9.9 hours in May.Summer weather in Billings
Summer arrives in June and leaves in August, it brings with it the warmest temperatures, ranging from 75.4°F (24.1°C) up to 85.3°F (29.6°C). The rainfall minimizes to just 0.71" (18mm) as July sets in, and the days extend, boasting up to 15.7 hours of daylight in June. Interestingly, summer also witnesses the lowest average humidity of the year, down to 40% in August, creating a noticeably arid climate. Clear skies further enhance this with up to 11.8 hours of sunshine each day in July.Autumn weather in Billings
Autumn in Billings, from September to November, is tied to decreasing temperatures that range from 73.2°F (22.9°C) down to a chillier 42.6°F (5.9°C). Rainfall during this period is relatively moderate with monthly averages staying below 1.3" (33mm). Clear days are fewer, but still prevalent with average daily sunshine hours decreasing from 10.3 in September to 6.2 in November. The first signs of winter appear with the arrival of snowfall post-September, accumulating up to 4.49" (114mm) by November.Winter weather in Billings
Winter, from December to February, sees the coldest temperatures of the year, with January hosting lows of 18.3°F (-7.6°C) and highs of only 32.9°F (0.5°C). Winters in Billings also see the largest amount of snow with 5.24" (133mm) in December, moving to 6.5" (165mm) in February. The humidity is at its peak during the winter, rising to 76% in January. Despite the cold and snow, sunshine is still observable, amounting to 5.5 hours per day in December and January, before improving to 7.6 hours in March.Weather in January
January in Billings, Montana, locks itself into the stillness of winter with an average low temperature of 19.2°F (-7.1°C) and an average snowfall of 5.35" (136mm). As this is one of the coldest months, the city is often enveloped in a layer of powdery snow that helps to create an idyllic winter scene. Weather in January »Weather in February
The chill of January gradually recedes as Montana enters February. Snowfall decreases to 6.5" (165mm) and temperatures lurk between 18.3°F (-7.6°C) and 32.9°F (0.5°C). Sunshine is more present, but the month still retains a firm hold on winter, with snow-covered landscapes providing a beautiful backdrop to the city of Billings. Weather in February »Weather in March
March kicks off a gradual transition from frigid winter to a milder spring, with temperatures ranging from 29.1°F (-1.6°C) to 45.1°F (7.3°C). As winter's hold recedes, rainfall takes over snowfall with an average of 1.22" (31mm) of rain. Weather in March »Weather in April
By the time April arrives, Billings experiences a significant shift in the weather with a noticeable increase in temperatures from 35.4°F (1.9°C) to 53.6°F (12°C). The snow of winter is replaced by spring rain, accounting for an increased average rainfall of 1.93" (49mm). Weather in April »Weather in May
In May, Billings gears up for summer with an average high around 64°F (17.8°C). Rainfall remains quite high with 2.13" (54mm), indicating the last showers of spring before the dry summer sets in. Nature is in full bloom across the town, adding splendid colors to the scenery. Weather in May »Weather in June
June in Billings, Montana, ushers in the early days of summer with an average high temperature touching 75.4°F (24.1°C). The dry season commences as rainfall recedes to 1.97" (50mm) and the city basks under an increased average of 11.3 hours of sunshine each day. Weather in June »Weather in July
July stands as the warmest month in Billings with the high temperature soaring to an average of 85.3°F (29.6°C). Rainfall hits its lowest for the year at 0.71" (18mm), making this month the driest. The summer heat sets the tone for idyllic days perfect for outdoor activities. Weather in July »Weather in August
August in Billings, Montana, sustains the heat of summer, mirroring July with an average high temperature of 83.1°F (28.4°C). Despite retaining the high temperatures, the city witnesses an increase in rainfall to 0.98" (25mm). Weather in August »Weather in September
September in Billings commences the transition from summer to autumn with high temperatures reducing to an average of 73.2°F (22.9°C). The rainfall continues to remain moderate with 0.98" (25mm) on average. The weather conditions are generally pleasant, serving as a welcome relief from the heat of the summer months. Weather in September »Weather in October
October in Billings ushers in the full essence of fall; temperatures decline down to between 39.9°F (4.4°C) and 56.5°F (13.6°C). Despite being one of the drier months with an average rainfall of 1.3" (33mm), the city is lively with fall foliage adorning the landscape. Weather in October »Weather in November
As November arrives, Billings, Montana, transitions into the early stage of winter. Snowfall reappears, with an average fall of 4.49" (114mm), and temperatures are caught between 28.2°F (-2.1°C) to 42.6°F (5.9°C) on average. Weather in November »Weather in December
Billings welcomes December with wintery conditions as temperatures descend down to 18.9°F (-7.3°C) to 31.1°F (-0.5°C) and snowfall increases to 5.24" (133mm). The month stands as a precursor to the full-throttle winter of January. Weather in December »Updated: Jul 27, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
The most humid month is January, with an average relative humidity of 76%.
Throughout the year, there are 128.5 rainfall days, and 14.69" (373mm) of precipitation is accumulated.
Months with snowfall in Billings are January through May, September through December.
In Billings, during the entire year, snow falls for 64.5 days and aggregates up to 31.18" (792mm) of snow.
January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index.
February is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 13.3 days and accumulates 6.5" (165mm) of snow.
The month with the least sunshine is February, with an average of 5.2h of sunshine.
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Billings, 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.
The month with the most rainfall is May, when the rain falls for 17.6 days and typically aggregates up to 2.13" (54mm) of precipitation.
June through August are months without snowfall.
June has the longest days of the year in Billings, with an average of 15h and 42min of daylight.
July is Billings's warmest month, registering average high temperatures of 85.3°F (29.6°C) and lows of 60.4°F (15.8°C).
July is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 9.5 days and accumulates 0.71" (18mm) of precipitation.
July has the most sunshine of the year in Billings, with an average of 11.8h of sunshine.
July is the month with the highest UV index, with an average maximum UV index of 7.
The least humid month is August, with an average relative humidity of 40%.
December is Billings's coldest month, registering average high temperatures of 31.1°F (-0.5°C) and lows of 18.9°F (-7.3°C).
The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 8h and 42min of daylight.
Average temperature
Billings, MT
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (85.3°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (31.1°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (60.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (18.3°F).
Average pressure
Billings, MT
- Average pressure in January:
30.14"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.11"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.93"Hg - Average pressure in May:
29.92"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.86"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.91"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.91"Hg - Average pressure in September:
29.94"Hg - Average pressure in October:
30"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.06"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.13"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.14"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.86"Hg).
Average wind speed
Billings, MT
- Average wind speed in January:
9.9mph - Average wind speed in February:
9.1mph - Average wind speed in March:
8.8mph - Average wind speed in April:
9.3mph - Average wind speed in May:
8.6mph - Average wind speed in June:
7.9mph
- Average wind speed in July:
7.1mph - Average wind speed in August:
7.2mph - Average wind speed in September:
8mph - Average wind speed in October:
9.1mph - Average wind speed in November:
9.4mph - Average wind speed in December:
9.4mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (9.9mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (7.1mph).
Average humidity
Billings, MT
The month with the highest relative humidity is January (76%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is August (40%).
Average rainfall
Billings, MT
- Average rainfall in January:
0.83" - Average rainfall in February:
0.98" - Average rainfall in March:
1.22" - Average rainfall in April:
1.93" - Average rainfall in May:
2.13" - Average rainfall in June:
1.97"
- Average rainfall in July:
0.71" - Average rainfall in August:
0.98" - Average rainfall in September:
0.98" - Average rainfall in October:
1.3" - Average rainfall in November:
0.91" - Average rainfall in December:
0.75"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (2.13").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is July (0.71").
Average rainfall days
Billings, MT
- Average rainfall days in January:
6.3 days - Average rainfall days in February:
7.5 days - Average rainfall days in March:
12.2 days - Average rainfall days in April:
16.4 days - Average rainfall days in May:
17.6 days - Average rainfall days in June:
14 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
9.5 days - Average rainfall days in August:
11 days - Average rainfall days in September:
9.1 days - Average rainfall days in October:
11 days - Average rainfall days in November:
7.1 days - Average rainfall days in December:
6.8 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (17.6 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (6.3 days).
Average snowfall
Billings, MT
- Average snowfall in January:
5.35" - Average snowfall in February:
6.5" - Average snowfall in March:
4.45" - Average snowfall in April:
2.91" - Average snowfall in May:
0.28" - Average snowfall in June:
0"
The month with the highest snowfall is February (6.5").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July and August (0").
Average snowfall days
Billings, MT
- Average snowfall days in January:
12.7 days - Average snowfall days in February:
13.3 days - Average snowfall days in March:
9.3 days - Average snowfall days in April:
4.9 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0.7 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0.2 days - Average snowfall days in October:
2.7 days - Average snowfall days in November:
7.9 days - Average snowfall days in December:
12.8 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (13.3 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July and August (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Billings, MT
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 12min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 24min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 36min - Average daylight in May:
15h and 0min - Average daylight in June:
15h and 42min
- Average daylight in July:
15h and 18min - Average daylight in August:
14h and 6min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 30min - Average daylight in October:
10h and 54min - Average daylight in November:
9h and 30min - Average daylight in December:
8h and 42min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 42min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 42min).
- Average sunshine in January:
5h and 30min - Average sunshine in February:
5h and 12min - Average sunshine in March:
7h and 36min - Average sunshine in April:
9h and 0min - Average sunshine in May:
9h and 54min - Average sunshine in June:
11h and 18min
- Average sunshine in July:
11h and 48min - Average sunshine in August:
11h and 36min - Average sunshine in September:
10h and 18min - Average sunshine in October:
6h and 24min - Average sunshine in November:
6h and 12min - Average sunshine in December:
5h and 30min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 11h and 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 5h and 12min).
Average sunshine days
Billings, MT
- Average sunshine days in January:
15.5 days - Average sunshine days in February:
12.1 days - Average sunshine days in March:
12.1 days - Average sunshine days in April:
9.9 days - Average sunshine days in May:
11.5 days - Average sunshine days in June:
12.8 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
17.2 days - Average sunshine days in August:
16.3 days - Average sunshine days in September:
18.8 days - Average sunshine days in October:
16.2 days - Average sunshine days in November:
16.3 days - Average sunshine days in December:
14.9 days
The month with the most sunshine days is September (18.8 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is April (9.9 days).
Average UV index
Billings, MT
The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, November and December (UV index 2).
Average cloud cover
Billings, MT
The month with the most cloud cover is February (Cloud cover 46).
The month with the least cloud cover is July (Cloud cover 15).
Average visibility
Billings, 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).
