Climate and monthly weather forecastGreat Falls, MT
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Great Falls
Great Falls, located in Montana, USA, is primarily characterized by a mid-latitude steppe climate, designated by the Köppen climate classification as BSk. This climate type typically includes a temperature range that fluctuates widely, both throughout the year and even within single days, coupled with sparse precipitation levels.Investigating the provided weather data, it becomes evident that there are significant shifts in temperature as the year progresses, with highs soaring to 83.1°F (28.4°C) in July and lows plummeting to 18.3°F (-7.6°C) in December and February. It underlines a climate that is markedly seasonal, shifting from chilled winters to warm summers. The majority of rainfall occurs in May and June, with amounts reaching 0.63" (16mm) and 0.87" (22mm) respectively. Notably, July is distinguished by the lowest rainfall of 0.2" (5mm), indicating a dry summer period consistent with the BSk classification.
Relative humidity shows a very mild fluctuation through the year, with the highest reading of 77% in January and the lowest of 40% in August. Similarly, cloud coverage follows a roughly analogous trend, with percentage hovering between 41% in January and 13% in July. The UV index peaks slightly at 6 during summer, specifically in the month of July, yet maintains a lower value of 2 for the rest of the year.
The best time to visit Great Falls
Given the weather data, the best time to visit Great Falls would arguably be from May to June. Within this period, visitors can enjoy warmer temperatures (ranging from 52.3°F (11.3°C) to 72.1°F (22.3°C)), alongside more daylight hours (from 13.7 to 15.9 hours). Specifically, June offers the longest daylight hours, with an impressive 15.9 hours per day. Furthermore, these months are characterized by higher levels of precipitation, contributing to a more vibrant and verdant local environment.The worst time to visit Great Falls
Contrarily, the months of December, January, and February stand out as perhaps the least inviting times to venture to Great Falls. Winters in this region are notably cold, with temperatures dipping to a frigid low of 18.3°F (-7.6°C) in both December and February. Moreover, these months report the least daylight hours, averaging between 8.5 hours and 9 hours per day. On top of that, snowfall is considerably frequent; particularly in December, with an average of 1.06" (27mm) falling across 7.9 days.Spring weather in Great Falls
From February to April, the weather in Great Falls begins to transition into spring. As this seasonal change occurs, the temperature gradually rises from 31.6°F (-0.2°C) to a more comfortable 52.3°F (11.3°C), while rainfall increases significantly from a mere 0.31" (8mm) to 0.55" (14mm). Additionally, daylight averages between 10.3 hours and 13.7 hours, indicating longer and brighter days.Summer weather in Great Falls
The summer months, from May to August, are recognizable as the warmest period of the year in Great Falls. Average temperatures escalate steadily, from a comfortable 63°F (17.2°C) in May to a peak of 83.1°F (28.4°C) in July before falling slightly to 81.9°F (27.7°C) in August. During this period, the most significant level of rainfall is observed, yet July, the hottest month, records the least amount of precipitation, with just 0.2" (5mm).Autumn weather in Great Falls
Moving into the autumn months of September to November, temperatures begin to cool, falling from 71.2°F (21.8°C) in September to a chillier 40.8°F (4.9°C) in November. Simultaneously, rainfall remains within a narrow band, fluctuating from 0.31" (8mm) in September to 0.35" (9mm) in November, which is a slight increase. The daylight gradually shortens from 12.5 hours to 9.3 hours per day during these months.Winter weather in Great Falls
The winter period in Great Falls, spanning December through February, is hallmarked by the coldest temperatures. On average, temperatures range from 19.8°F (-6.8°C) to 31.6°F (-0.2°C), with December exhibiting the lowest readings. It is also the time when the most snowfall is accounted, with December showing the heaviest amount, averaging 1.06" (27mm) over 7.9 days.Weather in January
In January, Great Falls, Montana sees particularly cold temperatures and notable snowfall. With a high of only 32.4°F (0.2°C), it's the chilliest month of the year. Those venturing outside should bundle up to combat the 77% relative humidity. Weather in January »Weather in February
While February continues the winter vibes, it brings a slight increase in daylight hours when compared to January. The temperatures fluctuate between 18.3°F (-7.6°C) to 31.6°F (-0.2°C), while a record 2.09" (53mm) of snowfall blankets the town. Weather in February »Weather in March
Transitioning from winter, March brings the onset of spring to Great Falls. Among the clear indicators of this is a substantial rise in temperature, reaching upto 43.3°F (6.3°C). This period sees a relative decrease in snowfall, while the rain tends to prevail with 0.35" (9mm) precipitated. Weather in March »Weather in April
April is characterized by an increased interval of sunshine and warm temperatures. Temperatures rise substantially, with the mercury touching a higher 52.3°F (11.3°C). The weather in this month shifts positively compared to March with more daylight hours providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities. Weather in April »Weather in May
May sees a noticeable increase in humidity and rainfall. The bout of precipitation is highest in this month accumulating as much as 0.63" (16mm) of rain. A comparative analysis of the declining period from May to June reveals a continued escalation in temperature, but a decrease in rainfall. Weather in May »Weather in June
The month of June manifests the onset of the warm summer season with long sunny days. Extending sunshine hours to approximately 15.9 hours marks the apex, standing out as the month with the most daylight in Great Falls. With the approach of July, residents can anticipate the persistence of warm weather coupled with a gradual fall in humidity. Weather in June »Weather in July
In July, Great Falls experiences its warmest weather. The city’s climate peaks with high temperatures reaching up to 83.1°F (28.4°C). Known as the apex of summer, it's the hottest period within Montana’s weather cycle. Transitioning from July to August, the temperature stays relatively steady, providing a seamless transition. Weather in July »Weather in August
August hosts classic summer weather, albeit with a slight dip in temperature compared to July. Equipped with long hours of sunshine, reaching upto 81.9°F (27.7°C), it is a great period for water sports and beach activities. The expected weather transition from August to September is represented by a significant temperature drop and a rising trend of rainfall. Weather in August »Weather in September
As the summer ebbs away, September brings forth fall in Great Falls. The cold snap kicks off, with the temperature taking a sharp plunge to 71.2°F (21.8°C). This month signifies a transitional phase from the dry and hot August to the wetter and cooler October. Weather in September »Weather in October
October captures the essence of fall, accompanied by dropping temperatures and beautiful foliage. Though no significant snowfall is recorded in October, the temperature dip sets the tone for upcoming winter conditions. As the month concludes and November arrives, locals brace for lower temperatures and possible snowfall. Weather in October »Weather in November
November welcomes the onset of winter. Citizens should be ready for a temperature drop to 40.8°F (4.9°C) compared to the previous month. As December approaches, the temperatures continue to take a dive, with heavy snowfall becoming a significant possibility. Weather in November »Weather in December
December brings in the cold winter weather and frigid temperatures. Reaching only 30°F (-1.1°C), it's one of the chilliest periods in Great Falls, Montana. The anticipated weather shift signifies a further drop in temperature as the new year approaches. Weather in December »Updated: Jun 4, 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
With an average relative humidity of 77%, January is the most humid month.
Throughout the year, there are 68.2 rainfall days, and 4.49" (114mm) of precipitation is accumulated.
January through May, September through December are months with snowfall.
In Great Falls, Montana, during the entire year, snow falls for 45.4 days and aggregates up to 11.61" (295mm) of snow.
The months with the least sunshine are January, February and December, with an average of 5.5h of sunshine.
The months with the lowest UV index are January through March, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.
February is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 10 days and accumulates 2.09" (53mm) of snow.
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 in Great Falls is June, when the rain falls for 8.6 days and typically aggregates up to 0.87" (22mm) of precipitation.
June through August are months without snowfall.
The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 15h and 54min of daylight.
Great Falls notes the warmest temperatures in July, with a average high of 83.1°F (28.4°C) and a low of 56.3°F (13.5°C).
The month with the most sunshine is July, with an average of 12.1h of sunshine.
July is the month with the highest UV index, with an average maximum UV index of 6.
With an average relative humidity of 40%, August is the least humid month in Great Falls.
Great Falls, Montana, records the coldest temperatures in December, averaging a high of 30°F (-1.1°C) and a low of 18.3°F (-7.6°C).
December is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 2.7 days and accumulates 0.16" (4mm) of precipitation.
The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 8h and 30min of daylight.
Average temperature
Great Falls, MT
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (83.1°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (30°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is August (57.7°F).
The coldest months (with the lowest average low temperature) are February and December (18.3°F).
Average pressure
Great Falls, MT
- Average pressure in January:
30.14"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.11"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.01"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.95"Hg - Average pressure in May:
29.93"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.87"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.92"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.92"Hg - Average pressure in September:
29.95"Hg - Average pressure in October:
30.01"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 (29.87"Hg).
Average wind speed
Great Falls, MT
- Average wind speed in January:
11.2mph - Average wind speed in February:
9.8mph - Average wind speed in March:
9.9mph - Average wind speed in April:
10mph - Average wind speed in May:
8.5mph - Average wind speed in June:
8.6mph
- Average wind speed in July:
7.9mph - Average wind speed in August:
7.7mph - Average wind speed in September:
8.6mph - Average wind speed in October:
9.9mph - Average wind speed in November:
11.4mph - Average wind speed in December:
11mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is November (11.4mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (7.7mph).
Average humidity
Great Falls, MT
The month with the highest relative humidity is January (77%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is August (40%).
Average rainfall
Great Falls, MT
- Average rainfall in January:
0.2" - Average rainfall in February:
0.31" - Average rainfall in March:
0.35" - Average rainfall in April:
0.55" - Average rainfall in May:
0.63" - Average rainfall in June:
0.87"
- Average rainfall in July:
0.2" - Average rainfall in August:
0.28" - Average rainfall in September:
0.31" - Average rainfall in October:
0.28" - Average rainfall in November:
0.35" - Average rainfall in December:
0.16"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (0.87").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is December (0.16").
Average rainfall days
Great Falls, MT
- Average rainfall days in January:
3.6 days - Average rainfall days in February:
3.6 days - Average rainfall days in March:
6 days - Average rainfall days in April:
9.9 days - Average rainfall days in May:
9 days - Average rainfall days in June:
8.6 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
4.1 days - Average rainfall days in August:
5.6 days - Average rainfall days in September:
5.3 days - Average rainfall days in October:
5.8 days - Average rainfall days in November:
4 days - Average rainfall days in December:
2.7 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is April (9.9 days).
The month with the least rainy days is December (2.7 days).
Average snowfall
Great Falls, MT
- Average snowfall in January:
1.46" - Average snowfall in February:
2.09" - Average snowfall in March:
1.77" - Average snowfall in April:
1.42" - Average snowfall in May:
0.31" - Average snowfall in June:
0"
The month with the highest snowfall is February (2.09").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July and August (0").
Average snowfall days
Great Falls, MT
- Average snowfall days in January:
7.1 days - Average snowfall days in February:
10 days - Average snowfall days in March:
6.5 days - Average snowfall days in April:
4.4 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0.9 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:
0.5 days - Average snowfall days in October:
2.8 days - Average snowfall days in November:
5.3 days - Average snowfall days in December:
7.9 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (10 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July and August (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Great Falls, MT
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 0min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 18min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 54min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 42min - Average daylight in May:
15h and 6min - Average daylight in June:
15h and 54min
- Average daylight in July:
15h and 30min - Average daylight in August:
14h and 12min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 30min - Average daylight in October:
10h and 48min - Average daylight in November:
9h and 18min - Average daylight in December:
8h and 30min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 54min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 30min).
- Average sunshine in January:
5h and 30min - Average sunshine in February:
5h and 30min - Average sunshine in March:
7h and 42min - Average sunshine in April:
9h and 6min - Average sunshine in May:
10h and 18min - Average sunshine in June:
11h and 18min
- Average sunshine in July:
12h and 6min - Average sunshine in August:
11h and 24min - Average sunshine in September:
9h and 42min - Average sunshine in October:
6h and 30min - Average sunshine in November:
6h and 6min - Average sunshine in December:
5h and 30min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 12h and 6min).
The months with the least sunshine are January, February and December (Average sunshine: 5h and 30min).
Average sunshine days
Great Falls, MT
- Average sunshine days in January:
22.4 days - Average sunshine days in February:
16.2 days - Average sunshine days in March:
20.5 days - Average sunshine days in April:
16.2 days - Average sunshine days in May:
20.3 days - Average sunshine days in June:
19.9 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
26.1 days - Average sunshine days in August:
23.9 days - Average sunshine days in September:
23.6 days - Average sunshine days in October:
21.9 days - Average sunshine days in November:
21.2 days - Average sunshine days in December:
22.5 days
The month with the most sunshine days is July (26.1 days).
The months with the least sunshine days are February and April (16.2 days).
Average UV index
Great Falls, 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 cloud cover
Great Falls, MT
The month with the most cloud cover is February (Cloud cover 46).
The month with the least cloud cover is July (Cloud cover 13).
Average visibility
Great Falls, 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).
