Montana

Best time to visit Montana

The best time to visit Montana depends largely on what you want to do and what kind of experience you're looking for. Montana is a state of dramatic seasonal changes, offering something unique in every part of the year.

June to September offers the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities and when most attractions, especially in national parks like Glacier and Yellowstone (parts of which are in Montana), are fully open.

In Spring (April/May) as snow melts, the landscapes come alive with wildflowers and new-born wildlife. Temperatures are milder, but expect cool nights and the possibility of rain or even late-season snow, particularly in higher elevations. Many roads and trails in national parks may still be closed due to snow. It's excellent for photography and wildlife spotting.

Autumn (October/November) can still be beautiful with vibrant colours and pleasant days. However, temperatures drop significantly as the season progresses, and snow becomes more likely, especially by November. Many seasonal businesses and park facilities will close for the winter. It's a great time for scenic drives and enjoying the quiet.

Winter (December - March) is long, cold, and snowy, but offers a unique charm for winter sports enthusiasts. Ideal for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. Montana boasts several excellent ski resorts like Big Sky Resort and Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Discover Montana

Montana is big, America’s fourth largest state is larger than the country of Germany and has more wildlife than people. With 55 state parks, two national parks, majestic mountains, wild and serene landscapes and abundant wildlife, Montana is a paradise for nature and adventure lovers.

Discover Indian Nations and learn about their way of life, walk through sacred fields where storied battles were fought, travel along stunning scenic trails, ski or snowboard at some of the best ski resorts in the country or live like a cowboy or cowgirl on a rustic ranch, there are countless things to experience in this epic state.

Montana’s jewel in its crown is without question the incredible beauty of Glacier National Park. Jaw-dropping scenery is around every corner of the park – see emerald green lakes, glistening glaciers, alpine meadows and majestic snowcapped mountain peaks. The colourful and unique wonders of Yellowstone National Park lie partly in Montana as well as two of the park’s five entrances.

Beyond its natural wonders Montana is home to charming towns and cities with big hearts. Learn about frontier history in the ghost towns of Nevada and Virginia City, soak up the outstanding scenery in the picturesque towns of Red Lodge and Bigfork, or enjoy city life in cool Bozeman and visit the world-renowned Museum of the Rockies, one of the country’s leading palaeontology museums.

Highlights of Montana

What is Montana famous for?

• Glacier National Park
• Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
• Beartooth Highway
• First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park
• Flathead Lake

Swipe left or right to learn more about each destination.

Glacier National Park

Spreading over a million acres in the northern Rocky Mountains in northwest Montana, the scenery in Glacier National Park is sublime. Although the park has two dozen glaciers, it is the place you go to see landscapes crafted by glaciers, not necessarily the glaciers themselves.

The Going to the Sun Road is not only an engineering marvel and National Historic Landmark, it’s the best way to see the park’s dramatic features. High alpine meadows, glacial-carved peaks and valleys, cascading waterfalls and snowfields await.

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

Little Bighorn Battlefield, located in the heart of Montana is one of the country’s best-known landmarks where one of America’s most infamous battles took place – The Battle of Little Bighorn. This is where General Custer met his ‘last stand’ and lost his life in 1876, during the battle between the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians who were defending their homeland.

Coincide your visit with one of the free ranger talks, see the Indian Memorial dedicated to the tribes who fought in the battle and the sombre Custer National Cemetery and drive the 4.5-mile road to the Reno-Benteen Battlefield, the second stage of the Battle of Little Bighorn.

Beartooth Highway

Connecting the picturesque mountain towns of Red Lodge and Cooke City and Yellowstone’s North Entrance, this is one of the must-do experiences in the state. Designated an All-American Road, due to its incredible beauty and pristine wilderness the 68-mile journey climbs to an astounding 10,947 feet above sea level winding its way through three National Forests, and past soaring mountain peaks, countless alpine lakes and lush forested valleys.

First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park

Around one hour’s drive from the state capital Helena, First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park is an historic Native American site. The local tribes used the site 1000 years before the explorers Lewis and Clark arrived to drive bison over the mile long sandstone cliff, to kill them for food and clothing. Today the park pays homage to the bison through exhibits and storytelling and there is an interpretive trail that takes you to the edge of the cliff for its dramatic views.

Flathead Lake

A picture-perfect stop when driving between Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, the picturesque and blue waters of Flathead Lake are approximately one hour’s drive from Glacier National Park. The lake is Montana’s largest natural freshwater lake, popular for fishing and spans over 190 square miles and is surrounded by picturesque forests, towering mountains and the charming town of Bigfork.