Climate and monthly weather forecast
Missoula, MT

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The scenic area surrounding the iconic Higgins Street Bridge in Missoula, Montana
The scenic area surrounding the iconic Higgins Street Bridge in Missoula, Montana

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 »
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Frequently asked questions

What is the most humid month in Missoula?

The most humid month in Missoula, Montana, is January, with an average relative humidity of 90%.

How many days does it rain in Missoula?

In Missoula, Montana, during the entire year, the rain falls for 67.5 days and collects up to 3.27" (83mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow in Missoula?

January through May, September through December are months with snowfall in Missoula, Montana.

How many days does it snow in Missoula?

Throughout the year, in Missoula, there are 44 snowfall days, and 8.07" (205mm) of snow is accumulated.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Missoula?

January has the least sunshine of the year in Missoula, Montana, with an average of 4.9h of sunshine.

When does it snow the most in Missoula?

February is the month with the most snowfall in Missoula, Montana. Snow falls for 8.4 days and accumulates 2.36" (60mm) of snow.

What are the months with the lowest UV index in Missoula?

The months with the lowest UV index in Missoula, Montana, are February and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Missoula?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Missoula, 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 in Missoula?

The month with the most rainfall is April, when the rain falls for 8.8 days and typically aggregates up to 0.47" (12mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow in Missoula?

June through August are months without snowfall.

When are the longest days in Missoula?

With an average of 15h and 48min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Missoula.

What is the warmest month in Missoula?

With average temperatures fluctuating between a high of 80.2°F (26.8°C) and a low of 46.4°F (8°C), July stands out as the warmest month.

What is the least humid month in Missoula?

The least humid month in Missoula is July, with an average relative humidity of 50%.

What is the driest month in Missoula?

The months with the least rainfall in Missoula, Montana, are July and December Rain falls for 3.5 days and accumulates 0.16" (4mm) of rain.

What month has the most sunshine in Missoula?

With an average of 11.8h of sunshine, July has the most sunshine of the year.

When is the highest UV index in Missoula?

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

What are the coldest months in Missoula?

December, with an average high of 28°F (-2.2°C) and a low of 15.4°F (-9.2°C), signifies the coldest month of the year.

What is the month with the shortest days in Missoula?

December has the shortest days of the year in Missoula, with an average of 8h and 36min of daylight.

Average temperature
Missoula, MT

Average temperature - Missoula, MT

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (80.2°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (28°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is August (46.9°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is December (15.4°F).

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Average pressure
Missoula, MT

Average pressure - Missoula, MT

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.19"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.93"Hg).

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Average wind speed
Missoula, MT

Average wind speed - Missoula, MT

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (4mph).

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Average rainfall
Missoula, MT

Average rainfall - Missoula, MT

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is April (0.47").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are July and December (0.16").

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Average rainfall days
Missoula, MT

Average rainfall days - Missoula, MT

The month with the highest number of rainy days is April (8.8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is August (3.3 days).

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Average snowfall
Missoula, MT

Average snowfall - Missoula, MT

The month with the highest snowfall is February (2.36").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July and August (0").

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Average snowfall days
Missoula, MT

Average snowfall days - Missoula, MT

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is December (9 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July and August (0 days).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Missoula, MT

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Missoula, MT

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 48min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 36min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 11h and 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 4h and 54min).

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Average sunshine days
Missoula, MT

Average sunshine days - Missoula, MT

The month with the most sunshine days is July (27 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is April (17.8 days).

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Average visibility
Missoula, MT

Average visibility - Missoula, MT

The months with the highest visibility are May, June, July, August, September and October (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February and December (4mi).

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Missoula, Montana, USA

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