Bozeman

Montana Weather in January

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Montana, the United States of America in January.

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Whitefish Billings Bozeman Great Falls

Planning a trip to Montana, the United States of America this January? Here's what you need to know about the weather:

What to Expect in Montana in January

Montana, the United States of America is a region in the United States of America. January in Montana generally has temperatures that range from very cold to cold, with precipitation levels ranging from almost none to moderate. The month of January is in the winter season.

Temperatures

During the day the temperature is very cold in West Yellowstone at -3°C (27°F) and cold in Columbus at 5°C (41°F). As night falls, temperatures generally drop to -10°C (14°F) in Columbus and -16°C (3°F) in West Yellowstone. In many regions in the United States of America, January is characterized by its biting cold temperatures. If you're venturing into these areas during this time, it's crucial to be adequately prepared. Ensure you layer up with warm clothing to fight off the chill and stay comfortable.

To explore the conditions in Montana, the United States of America in more detail, check the map below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From almost no snow/rainfall in Dillon with an average of 4.9 mm (0.2 in) to moderate snow/rainfall in Lolo Hot Springs with 82 mm (3.2 in).

Explore Montana by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Montana — and find the best time to visit. (based on Whitefish)

January0°C (32°F) February2°C (36°F) March7°C (45°F) April13°C (55°F) May18°C (64°F) June22°C (72°F) This monthJuly29°C (84°F) August28°C (82°F) September22°C (72°F) October13°C (55°F) November4°C (39°F) December-1°C (30°F)
Best Time to Visit Montana →

Best Places to Visit in Montana in January

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Montana.

Conditions Temperatures Precipitation
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in Montana

What is the weather like in January for some of the most popular destinations in Montana, the United States of America?

Temperature range in Montana (January)

Precipitation variation in Montana (January)

Whitefish

In January Whitefish generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 0°C (32°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -8°C (18°F) and moderate monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

« December
January
February »
December
January
February
Max temperature
-1°C (30°F)
0°C (32°F)
2°C (36°F)
Min temperature
-8°C (18°F)
-8°C (18°F)
-8°C (18°F)
Monthly snowfall
59 mm (2.3 in)
55 mm (2.2 in)
32 mm (1.3 in)
Monthly rainy days
17 days
16 days
14 days
Weather conditions
poor
poor
poor
Climate in Whitefish →

Billings

In January Billings generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 4°C (39°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -8°C (18°F) and low monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

« December
January
February »
December
January
February
Max temperature
2°C (36°F)
4°C (39°F)
5°C (41°F)
Min temperature
-9°C (16°F)
-8°C (18°F)
-8°C (18°F)
Monthly sun hours
116 hours
130 hours
157 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
16 mm (0.6 in)
12 mm (0.5 in)
11 mm (0.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
6 days
5 days
6 days
Weather conditions
poor
poor
poor
Climate in Billings →

Bozeman

In January Bozeman generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 2°C (36°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -9°C (16°F) and low monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

« December
January
February »
December
January
February
Max temperature
1°C (34°F)
2°C (36°F)
3°C (37°F)
Min temperature
-10°C (14°F)
-9°C (16°F)
-8°C (18°F)
Monthly snow/rainfall
30 mm (1.2 in)
17 mm (0.7 in)
19 mm (0.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
10 days
8 days
8 days
Weather conditions
poor
poor
poor
Climate in Bozeman →

Great Falls

In January Great Falls generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 3°C (37°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -7°C (19°F) and low monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

« December
January
February »
December
January
February
Max temperature
2°C (36°F)
3°C (37°F)
3°C (37°F)
Min temperature
-9°C (16°F)
-7°C (19°F)
-8°C (18°F)
Monthly sun hours
108 hours
130 hours
152 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
18 mm (0.7 in)
17 mm (0.7 in)
15 mm (0.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
7 days
7 days
8 days
Weather conditions
poor
poor
poor
Climate in Great Falls →

Helena

In January Helena generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 2°C (36°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -9°C (16°F) and low monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

« December
January
February »
December
January
February
Max temperature
0°C (32°F)
2°C (36°F)
3°C (37°F)
Min temperature
-10°C (14°F)
-9°C (16°F)
-8°C (18°F)
Monthly sun hours
100 hours
119 hours
149 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
21 mm (0.8 in)
17 mm (0.7 in)
18 mm (0.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
14 days
11 days
12 days
Weather conditions
poor
poor
poor
Climate in Helena →

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Montana, in the United States of America.

Popular cities in January

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Montana in January.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Whitefish 0°C (32°F) -8°C (18°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Billings 4°C (39°F) -8°C (18°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Bozeman 2°C (36°F) -9°C (16°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Great Falls 3°C (37°F) -7°C (19°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Helena 2°C (36°F) -9°C (16°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Red Lodge 4°C (39°F) -8°C (18°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)

Montana weather in January: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Montana, the United States of America in January?

Expect poor weather across Montana, the United States of America in January. The popular destination of Whitefish averages 0°C (32°F) by day and -8°C (18°F) at night during this winter month.

What is the average temperature in Montana, the United States of America in January?

Daytime temperatures in Whitefish peak at roughly 0°C (32°F) in January, dropping to about -8°C (18°F) overnight.

Does Montana, the United States of America get a lot of snow in January?

Rain is generally moderate to light in Montana, the United States of America during January, with Whitefish averaging close to 55 mm (2.2 in).

Is January a Good Time to Visit Montana, the United States of America?

Given the typically poor weather conditions in Whitefish, January may not be the ideal time to visit Montana, the United States of America.

Generally speaking, the best visiting conditions can be found in June, July, August and September offering mostly perfect weather in Whitefish. The weather in January, February, March, November and December, on the other hand, tends to be poor.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Montana.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to the United States of America? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in the United States of America.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

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