Weather in Missoula

Stay informed about the current weather conditions in Missoula. In this section, you will find the latest data, detailed forecasts, and visual weather charts.

The climate in Missoula is characterised as continental, with four distinct seasons. The city experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, which is important to consider when planning a trip. Travellers should prepare for diverse weather conditions depending on the time of their visit.

Winters in Missoula are quite cold, with average temperatures significantly below freezing (January and February are the coldest months, with averages around -4.4°C and -5.7°C respectively). Summer, conversely, is warm and sunny, especially in July and August, when average temperatures rise to 20.2°C and 19.5°C, and maximums can reach 28°C. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with gradual changes in temperature regimes.

One of the notable features of the weather in Missoula is the relatively low amount of precipitation throughout the year (1-3 mm per month). However, the number of "wet days" is quite high, especially in the winter and spring months (13-17 days), which may indicate frequent but light precipitation. The summer months, particularly July and August, stand out as the driest, with minimal rainfall and only 5-6 rainy days, making them attractive for outdoor activities.

The climate in Missoula is characterised by significant seasonal temperature fluctuations. The hottest months are traditionally July, with an average temperature of about 20.2°C and maximums reaching 28.0°C, and August, where the average temperature is 19.5°C and the maximum can rise to 27.2°C. The coldest periods are considered to be February (average temperature -5.7°C, minimum -10.3°C) and January (average temperature -4.4°C, minimum -8.4°C), when the thermometer regularly drops below freezing.

Summer months in Missoula, especially July and August, offer warm and at times hot weather. Daytime temperatures can be quite high, but nights bring a pleasant coolness. The difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows in summer is quite noticeable; for example, in July it exceeds 15°C (from 28.0°C during the day to 12.4°C at night). This creates comfortable conditions for sleep after a hot day. June is also warm, with an average temperature of 14.4°C and maximums up to 21.0°C, making it pleasant for the start of the summer season.

Winter in Missoula is cold and frosty. From December to February, average temperatures consistently stay below zero, and night frosts are a common occurrence, with minimum temperatures dropping to -10°C and lower, especially in February. Even daytime highs in these months often do not rise above the freezing point. The transitional seasons, spring and autumn, show a gradual change in temperatures. March and April bring warming after winter, although night temperatures can still be negative. In autumn, during October and November, a gradual cooling occurs, preparing the city for winter conditions; while daytime temperatures in October can still be comfortable (around 12°C), it gets significantly colder at night.

Missoula sees a relatively low level of precipitation throughout the year. There is no clearly defined rainy season with heavy downpours here, although a drier summer period can be distinguished. The lowest amount of precipitation falls from July to September, when only about 1 mm per month is recorded, and the number of days with precipitation is also minimal (5-8 days).

Winter months, roughly from November to March, are characterised primarily by snowfall, which is due to negative average temperatures. For example, in January and February, average temperatures are significantly below freezing, and precipitation (2-3 mm) falls as snow. December is also a snowy month. Given the overall small amount of precipitation, this likely means frequent but not very heavy snowfalls, as the number of days with precipitation in these months ranges from 13 to 17.

In spring and autumn, the type of precipitation changes. In April and October, when temperatures hover around freezing, both rain and wet snow are possible. February and May stand out as the months with the highest number of precipitation days (about 17 days) and a slightly larger volume of precipitation (3 mm), which for February implies snow, and for May – mainly light rains. Summer precipitation, when it occurs in July and August, falls as rain but happens much less frequently than in other seasons.

When planning a trip to Missoula, it is important to consider the significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. The key principle when packing your suitcase should be layering. This will allow you to feel comfortable both in the cool morning and evening hours and during the warmer daytime. Comfortable walking shoes will be indispensable, as the weather is conducive to walking at any time of the year. Given the number of days with precipitation, even with small volumes, a compact umbrella or a light waterproof jacket will be useful practically all year round.

In winter (from December to March), negative temperatures prevail in Missoula, so be sure to take warm clothes with you: thermal underwear, jumpers, fleece jackets, an insulated windproof jacket, a hat, gloves, and a scarf. In spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), the weather is changeable: days can be warm, but mornings and evenings are cool. For these seasons, a mid-season jacket, jumpers, and the ability to remove or add a layer of clothing will be suitable. Do not forget protection against rain, as precipitation is also possible during these periods.

In summer (from June to August), warm and sometimes hot weather sets in Missoula, especially in July and August. You will need light items: t-shirts, shorts, dresses. However, even on summer evenings, the temperature can drop, so a light jumper or cardigan will come in handy. In the summer months, the number of days with precipitation is minimal, but the sun can be very active, so sunscreen, sunglasses, and headwear will become your faithful companions for a comfortable holiday.