September in Bozeman is still in full bloom with lots of color.
What is the Weather in Bozeman?
The weather in Bozeman is some of the best in Montana, with lots of sunshine, few windy days, and plenty of snow! But there’s a caveat about the weather in Montana: If you don’t like it, wait 20 minutes. Let’s take a look at the weather in Bozeman based on the best seasons for what you want to do.
Weather Highlights
- Summer High: the July high is around 84 degrees
- Winter Low: the January low is 13
- Rain: averages 17 inches of rain a year
- Snow: averages 63 inches of snow a year
(Source: www.bestplaces.net)
Mud/Shoulder Season
- We are currently entering the mud/shoulder season here in Bozeman. Snowfall is starting to taper off and warmer temperatures are settling in. There are still a few days of snow sprinkled here and there but for the most part, the winter season is behind us. The frozen ground is quickly turning to mud now, so unless you’re adventurous and don’t mind getting dirty, it’s not the best season for hiking or trail riding. The positive is that the sidewalks and roads in town are nice and dry and safe for walking/biking.
- Bozeman sees less tourists this time of year, especially in May. This season is a great time to take advantage of less people in tourist hot spots, as well as better rates and vacancies for hotels and vacation rentals.
- The forecast for this week of April 4, 2021 fluctuates between 43 and 61 degrees. That might sound like a big swing for people who are used to temperatures sticking, but it’s not unusual in Montana to see a swing of 40 degrees for the day!
Planting Season
If you’re coming from warmer weather, be sure to pay attention to the frost/freeze forecast. People usually clean out their yards/planting beds and start their indoor seeds around late April. It’s usually safe to start planting/transplanting outdoors in May. The first freeze usually comes around late September to October.
Mountain Biking/Hiking Season
Summer season is the best for riding and hiking because the trails are usually all dried out by mid-June. Bozeman has protected trails that go right from town to local favorites like the M mountain and Drinking Horse and Sourdough Trails. The resort town of Big Sky and Yellowstone National Park are both less than an hour away and offer world-class options for biking, hiking and camping.
Climbing Season
Many enthusiasts come in the summer to climb Baldy Peak in the Bridger Mountain Range and the peak in Hyalite Canyon, among many others. The scene is still pretty active in the winter from mid-November to April at Hyalite Canyon where there are more than 130 iceclimbing routes. Here’s interesting trivia: Bozeman is home to world-renowned climber Conrad Anker. Check out the Bozeman CVB’s blog for these great peaks.
Fishing Season
This can be a year-round activity depending on what kind of fishing you like to do but the Montana fishing season usually runs from the beginning of March to November. Summer though is when you will see the most anglers out in Montana’s beautiful waters. Many of the fly fishing scenes in “A River Runs Through It” were filmed on the Yellowstone and Gallatin Rivers, which are very close to Bozeman.
Summer Season
Summer in Bozeman from late June to about early September is glorious. Everything is in bloom and people are happy to usher in the warmer/sunnier days with less clothes and more outdoor fun. The forecast is almost always sunny with temperatures up to the mid-80s and cooling off at night down to the 50s. Many events were cancelled in 2020 due to Covid, so everyone is excited to be back this year!
- Music on Main: Every Thursday from June to August, attendees are treated to free live music and food trucks on Main Street in historic downtown Bozeman.
- Big Sky Country State Fair: July 21-25, 2021. Rides, food, animals and live music with Nelly, Granger Smith and Trace Adkins.
- Farmers Market: June 15 to September 7, 2021; from 5-8 p.m. Experience Bozeman’s local farms, artisans and restaurants in beautiful Lindley Park.
- Sweet Pea Festival: August 6-8, 2021 This is Bozeman’s premier summer festival in beautiful Lindley Park. This outdoor festival is a sensory experience in arts/crafts, food, theater and live music.
Winter Season
- Bozeman has some of the mildest winters. Skies are sunny and clear and temperatures hover around the high teens to the high 30s. Snow usually appears around November.
- Skiing:Big Sky Ski Resort and Bozeman’s local ski hill, Bridger Bowl, usually open around Thanksgiving and close around Easter. It all depends on how much and how good the snow is. If you’re new to winter, pay attention to snowpack. It is snow on the ground in mountainous areas that usually persists until warmer weather sets in. Snowpack is extremely important because it’s a main water source for surrounding towns. Snowpack also affects avalanche conditions.
- Traveling: Winter in Montana can be snowy, icy, windy and just plain dangerous for driving. Don’t go anywhere without checking the road conditions first. Montana Public Radio is a great source for up-to-date conditions/closures. If you plan to visit the national parks, be sure to check for entrance closures. Glacier National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and Yellowstone National Park has varied seasonal openings/closings depending on which entrance you are using and what your activity will be. The Yellowstone Insider website had the most up-to-date information.
Feel free to contact me at liz@windermere.com if you have any questions about the weather in Bozeman, the real estate market, or what to do while you’re here. I’m happy to help!
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