Climate and monthly weather forecastColumbia Falls, MT
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Columbia Falls
Positioned to the north-western corner of Montana, Columbia Falls is subject to a Humid Continental climate, with warm summers and no dry season, as per the Köppen climate classification. Throughout the year, the town undergoes a considerable variation in weather patterns, from chilling winters reaching as low as 13.8°F (-10.1°C) in January to pleasantly warm summer months peaking at about 77.9°F (25.5°C) in July.The relative humidity generally stays above the 50% mark all year round, with January and February recording the highest figures at 93% and 91% respectively, and July and August experiencing the least humid conditions with values around 56% and 55%. Rainfall is uniformly distributed throughout the year, varying from a low of 0.43" (11mm) in August to a high of 1.42" (36mm) in June. Additionally, the number of rainfall days are marginally more pronounced during the springtime, with April and May experiencing 15.8 and 13.8 days of rain respectively.
The unique weather exhibit also includes significant snowfall ranging from 0.04" (1mm) in September up to 7.72" (196mm) during the month of January, with the most frequent snowfall days recorded during the cold winter months of January and December. The visibility portrait highlights a consistent range from 4 miles in winter to about 6 miles from May to November.
The best time to visit Columbia Falls
For sun-seeking visitors eyeing outdoor activities and excursions, the best time to venture to Columbia Falls is during the summertime, particularly from June through August. The average temperature rises to a comfortable range of 59.5°F (15.3°C) to 77.9°F (25.5°C) providing ample sunshine and optimal daylight spanning over 14.3 hours to 16 hours. The UV index is also high during summer, with June and July peaking at 6. This period concurrently exhibits the lowest percentage of cloud cover, thereby giving tourists an uninterrupted view of the scenic surroundings.The worst time to visit Columbia Falls
Visitors especially intolerant to cold weather conditions might find the winter months from November to February challenging to endure in Columbia Falls. The temperature drops significantly, plummeting to as low as 13.8°F (-10.1°C) in January. The place witnesses frequent snowfall, with the most extensive coverage occurring in January with a substantial 7.72" (196mm). The daylight hours also shrink during these months, reducing to as little as 8.4 hours in the month of December.Spring weather in Columbia Falls
The season of spring from March to May in Columbia Falls is marked by a steady rise in temperatures from 36.1°F (2.3°C) to 59.5°F (15.3°C). Nonetheless, it also witnesses the highest number of rainfall days, reaching up to 15.8 days in April, with rainfall ranging from 0.98" (25mm) to 1.1" (28mm). The length of daylight increases progressively, reaching 15.3 hours by May, while the average sunshine hours rise to 8.6 hours in May.Summer weather in Columbia Falls
June through August is a summer treat with temperatures soaring up to 77.9°F (25.5°C) on average, alongside extended daylight of around 15.6 hours, making it perfect for outdoor fun. Along with temperature, relative humidity drops while sunshine hours peak, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors. However, June experiences the highest rainfall of the year, marking 1.42" (36mm).Autumn weather in Columbia Falls
Autumn, spanning from September to November, begins with a dip in temperature from 65.5°F (18.6°C) to 34.5°F (1.4°C) by the end of November. Rainfall decreases steadily from 0.71" (18mm) to 1.14" (29mm), with around 8.5 to 11.5 days experiencing rainfall in these months. Average sunshine hours diminish to 5.1 hours in November, marking the significant transition from summer to winter in Columbia Falls.Winter weather in Columbia Falls
Winter months from December to February bring in severe cold conditions with temperature spans between 25.7°F (-3.5°C) and 13.8°F (-10.1°C). These months observe significant snowfall, reaching up to 7.72" (196mm) in January with frequent snowfall days. The sunlight hours shrink to as low as 4 hours per day, accompanied by the cloud percentage shooting up to 65%, hence delivering a true, frosty winter experience.Weather in January
January weather in Columbia Falls, Montana, USA is characterized by the coldest temperatures of the year and highest snowfall, with the latter reaching 7.72" (196mm) and the lowest temperature dropping to 14.4°F (-9.8°C). The city also faces the longest nights and most cloud cover, which contributes to the decreased daylight hours and intense cold. Weather in January »Weather in February
In Columbia Falls, February weather shows general improvement compared to January, although it still retains the characteristic chills of the winter season. There is a decrease in snowfall from 7.72" (196mm) in January to 6.26" (159mm), and the temperatures also start to climb gradually. Weather in February »Weather in March
March in Columbia Falls, Montana, USA brings a significant change in weather patterns compared to February, marking the transition from winter to spring. The notable shift is the reduction in snowfall, from 6.26" (159mm) in February to 5.08" (129mm) in March, indicating fewer snowfall days. Weather in March »Weather in April
April weather in Columbia Falls signals a clear shift towards spring, with distinct changes from the weather experienced in March. The most notable difference is the sharp decrease in snowfall, plunging from 5.08" (129mm) in March down to 2.09" (53mm). Weather in April »Weather in May
In May, the weather in Columbia Falls, Montana, enjoys substantial warmth and sunshine, marking a distinct departure from the cool temperatures of April. There is a meager trace of snowfall, at just 0.55" (14mm), a significant drop from the 2.09" (53mm) observed in April. Weather in May »Weather in June
June ushers in the summer season in Columbia Falls, revealing a drastic change in weather conditions from those seen in May. June experiences no snowfall, a sharp contrast to the 0.55" (14mm) in May, indicating the season's warm transition. Weather in June »Weather in July
The distinct characteristic of July in Columbia Falls, Montana, USA is the high average temperatures it experiences. Reaching a peak with an average high of 77.9°F (25.5°C), it's clear that July's weather takes the lead in comparison to the rest of the year. Weather in July »Weather in August
August in Columbia Falls retains the high temperature averages witnessed in July, providing a prolonged warm and sunny period for outdoor enjoyment. However, there is a slight dip in the average temperature high from 77.9°F (25.5°C) in July to 76.8°F (24.9°C). Weather in August »Weather in September
September weather in Columbia Falls, Montana, experiences a noticeable shift from hot summer temperatures to a cooler fall-like weather. There's an appreciable cool-down from the high August temperature of 76.8°F (24.9°C), signaling the onset of Autumn. Weather in September »Weather in October
October in Columbia Falls introduces a definitive autumnal chill, with dropping temperatures that contrast markedly from warmer September conditions. The town also resumes snowfall, recording 0.94" (24mm), contrasting the almost non-existent 0.04" (1mm) seen in September. Weather in October »Weather in November
In November, the weather in Columbia Falls, Montana, USA begins to embrace the winter season with a noticeable drop in temperature and an increase in snowfall from 0.94" (24mm) in October to 4.41" (112mm). The daylight hours become increasingly limited, and the cloud cover increases, casting a serene winter charm over the city. Weather in November »Weather in December
December brings the harshest winter conditions of the year in Columbia Falls, characterized by a drastic increase in snowfall to 6.77" (172mm), up from November's 4.41" (112mm). The city faces its shortest daylight hours and longest nights, contributing to consistent low temperatures. Weather in December »Updated: Aug 21, 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
January is the most humid month in Columbia Falls, with an average relative humidity of 93%.
In Columbia Falls, during the entire year, the rain falls for 126.4 days and collects up to 11.22" (285mm) of precipitation.
January through May, September through December are months with snowfall in Columbia Falls.
January is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 18.9 days and accumulates 7.72" (196mm) of snow.
Throughout the year, there are 97 snowfall days, and 33.86" (860mm) of snow is accumulated.
With an average of 3.5h of sunshine, January has the least sunshine of the year.
January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index.
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.
The month with the most rainfall is June, when the rain falls for 13.7 days and typically aggregates up to 1.42" (36mm) of precipitation.
June through August are months without snowfall in Columbia Falls.
June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 16h and 0min of daylight.
Columbia Falls's warmest temperatures are experienced in July, with average high temperatures of 77.9°F (25.5°C) and lows of 45.1°F (7.3°C).
The month with the most sunshine is July, with an average of 11.9h of sunshine.
The month with the highest UV index is July, with an average maximum UV index of 6.
With an average relative humidity of 55%, August is the least humid month.
The month with the least rainfall is August, when the rain falls for 6.3 days and typically collects 0.43" (11mm) of precipitation.
Columbia Falls's December weather, with an average high temperature of 25.7°F (-3.5°C) and an average low temperature of 13.8°F (-10.1°C), tends to be the coldest of the year.
With an average of 8h and 24min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
Average temperature
Columbia Falls, MT
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (77.9°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (25.7°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is August (45.5°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (13.5°F).
Average pressure
Columbia Falls, MT
- Average pressure in January:
30.16"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.11"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.03"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.98"Hg - Average pressure in May:
29.96"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.91"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.94"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.94"Hg - Average pressure in September:
29.97"Hg - Average pressure in October:
30.04"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.09"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.15"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.16"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.91"Hg).
Average wind speed
Columbia Falls, MT
- Average wind speed in January:
3.9mph - Average wind speed in February:
4mph - Average wind speed in March:
4.3mph - Average wind speed in April:
4.6mph - Average wind speed in May:
4.4mph - Average wind speed in June:
4.3mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (4.6mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are August and December (3.7mph).
Average humidity
Columbia Falls, MT
The month with the highest relative humidity is January (93%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is August (55%).
Average rainfall
Columbia Falls, MT
- Average rainfall in January:
1.02" - Average rainfall in February:
0.87" - Average rainfall in March:
1.14" - Average rainfall in April:
0.98" - Average rainfall in May:
1.1" - Average rainfall in June:
1.42"
- Average rainfall in July:
0.47" - Average rainfall in August:
0.43" - Average rainfall in September:
0.71" - Average rainfall in October:
0.91" - Average rainfall in November:
1.14" - Average rainfall in December:
1.02"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (1.42").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is August (0.43").
Average rainfall days
Columbia Falls, MT
- Average rainfall days in January:
8.3 days - Average rainfall days in February:
7.7 days - Average rainfall days in March:
13.5 days - Average rainfall days in April:
15.8 days - Average rainfall days in May:
13.8 days - Average rainfall days in June:
13.7 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
6.9 days - Average rainfall days in August:
6.3 days - Average rainfall days in September:
8.5 days - Average rainfall days in October:
11.5 days - Average rainfall days in November:
11.5 days - Average rainfall days in December:
8.9 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is April (15.8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is August (6.3 days).
Average snowfall
Columbia Falls, MT
- Average snowfall in January:
7.72" - Average snowfall in February:
6.26" - Average snowfall in March:
5.08" - Average snowfall in April:
2.09" - Average snowfall in May:
0.55" - Average snowfall in June:
0"
The month with the highest snowfall is January (7.72").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July and August (0").
Average snowfall days
Columbia Falls, MT
- Average snowfall days in January:
18.9 days - Average snowfall days in February:
17.3 days - Average snowfall days in March:
15.7 days - Average snowfall days in April:
7.4 days - Average snowfall days in May:
1.5 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0.1 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0.3 days - Average snowfall days in October:
3.5 days - Average snowfall days in November:
13.2 days - Average snowfall days in December:
19.1 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is December (19.1 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are July and August (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Columbia Falls, MT
- Average daylight in January:
8h and 54min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 12min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 54min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 42min - Average daylight in May:
15h and 12min - Average daylight in June:
16h and 0min
- Average daylight in July:
15h and 36min - Average daylight in August:
14h and 18min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 36min - Average daylight in October:
10h and 48min - Average daylight in November:
9h and 12min - Average daylight in December:
8h and 24min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 16h and 0min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 24min).
- Average sunshine in January:
3h and 30min - Average sunshine in February:
4h and 42min - Average sunshine in March:
6h and 6min - Average sunshine in April:
8h and 36min - Average sunshine in May:
10h and 24min - Average sunshine in June:
10h and 24min
- Average sunshine in July:
11h and 54min - Average sunshine in August:
11h and 42min - Average sunshine in September:
9h and 24min - Average sunshine in October:
6h and 42min - Average sunshine in November:
5h and 6min - Average sunshine in December:
4h and 0min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 11h and 54min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 30min).
Average sunshine days
Columbia Falls, MT
- Average sunshine days in January:
11.3 days - Average sunshine days in February:
10 days - Average sunshine days in March:
7.7 days - Average sunshine days in April:
9.8 days - Average sunshine days in May:
14.2 days - Average sunshine days in June:
13.1 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
21.5 days - Average sunshine days in August:
21.4 days - Average sunshine days in September:
19 days - Average sunshine days in October:
15.5 days - Average sunshine days in November:
11.6 days - Average sunshine days in December:
11.8 days
The month with the most sunshine days is July (21.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is March (7.7 days).
Average UV index
Columbia Falls, MT
The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
Columbia Falls, MT
The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 65).
The months with the least cloud cover are July and August (Cloud cover 15).
Average visibility
Columbia Falls, MT
The months with the highest visibility are May, June, July, August, September and October (6mi).
The month with the lowest visibility is January (3mi).
