Missoula, MT Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Missoula
Missoula has a semi-arid climate, marked by big day-to-night temperature swings and modest rainfall. Average daytime highs range from about 35°F (2°C) in January to around 86°F (30°C) in July, and the city records roughly 104 days of measurable precipitation a year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 86°F (30°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 35°F (2°C)
- Record high: 103°F (40°C) · Record low: -35°F (-37°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: May (10 rainy days) · Sunniest: July (14.2 h sun/day)
- Climate type: semi-arid - big day-to-night temperature swings and modest rainfall
- Snow: about 34 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 86°F (30°C) and overnight lows stay near 59°F (15°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 35°F (2°C) and lows around 19°F (-7°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 103°F (40°C) and dropped as low as -35°F (-37°C).
Rain, sun and snow
May is usually the wettest month. It brings about 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain over 10 days, while July is the driest. July brings the most sunshine, averaging 14.2 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 34 days in a typical year, mostly from October through April.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 35° | 19° | 10 | 1.5 in | 5.7 h/day | 72% |
| February | 37° | 20° | 12 | 2.0 in | 6.5 h/day | 68% |
| March | 47° | 28° | 10 | 1.6 in | 8.9 h/day | 62% |
| April | 56° | 34° | 10 | 1.8 in | 10.3 h/day | 57% |
| May | 66° | 43° | 10 | 2.2 in | 11.8 h/day | 58% |
| June | 75° | 51° | 8 | 1.8 in | 12.9 h/day | 53% |
| July | 86° | 59° | 2 | 0.5 in | 14.2 h/day | 39% |
| August | 85° | 58° | 3 | 0.7 in | 12.5 h/day | 41% |
| September | 73° | 48° | 6 | 1.5 in | 10.3 h/day | 53% |
| October | 58° | 37° | 10 | 2.0 in | 8.1 h/day | 63% |
| November | 44° | 28° | 10 | 1.8 in | 6.2 h/day | 67% |
| December | 36° | 22° | 12 | 2.0 in | 4.9 h/day | 70% |
Missoula month by month
Missoula weather in January
January brings highs around 35°F (2°C), lows near 19°F (-7°C), about 10 wet days and roughly 7 snowy days - typically the coldest month of the year in Missoula.
Missoula weather in February
February brings highs around 37°F (3°C), lows near 20°F (-7°C), about 12 wet days and roughly 7 snowy days.
Missoula weather in March
March brings highs around 47°F (8°C), lows near 28°F (-2°C), about 10 wet days and roughly 4 snowy days.
Missoula weather in April
April brings highs around 56°F (13°C), lows near 34°F (1°C), about 10 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days.
Missoula weather in May
May brings highs around 66°F (19°C), lows near 43°F (6°C), about 10 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Missoula.
Missoula weather in June
June brings highs around 75°F (24°C), lows near 51°F (11°C), about 8 wet days.
Missoula weather in July
July brings highs around 86°F (30°C), lows near 59°F (15°C), about 2 wet days - typically the hottest month and the driest month and the sunniest month of the year in Missoula.
Missoula weather in August
August brings highs around 85°F (29°C), lows near 58°F (14°C), about 3 wet days.
Missoula weather in September
September brings highs around 73°F (23°C), lows near 48°F (9°C), about 6 wet days.
Missoula weather in October
October brings highs around 58°F (14°C), lows near 37°F (3°C), about 10 wet days and roughly 1 snowy days.
Missoula weather in November
November brings highs around 44°F (6°C), lows near 28°F (-2°C), about 10 wet days and roughly 4 snowy days.
Missoula weather in December
December brings highs around 36°F (2°C), lows near 22°F (-6°C), about 12 wet days and roughly 8 snowy days.
Seasons in Missoula
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Missoula is mild, with daytime highs averaging 56°F (14°C) and nights around 35°F (2°C); expect showers on roughly 30 days across the season, plus around 7 snowy days.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Missoula is hot, with daytime highs averaging 82°F (28°C) and nights around 56°F (13°C); rain falls on about 14 days over the three months.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Missoula stays on the cool side of mild, with daytime highs averaging 58°F (15°C) and nights around 38°F (3°C); expect showers on roughly 26 days across the season, plus around 6 snowy days.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Missoula brings deep cold, with daytime highs averaging 36°F (2°C) and nights around 20°F (-7°C); expect showers on roughly 34 days across the season, plus around 22 snowy days. Wind makes those temperatures feel harsher than they sound - pair the forecast winds with the wind speed converter to judge conditions on exposed skin.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Missoula?
Is Missoula hot in summer?
Is Missoula cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Missoula get in a year?
Best time to visit Missoula
The best time to visit Missoula is generally April to September, when temperatures are at their most comfortable before or after the peak heat. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 73°F (23°C).
Pack for Missoula with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; a heavy insulated coat, hat and gloves for winter; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 59°F (15°C).
Missoula temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.