Weather in Billings

About Billings

Billings spreads beneath the dramatic Rimrocks, an 800-foot cliff face framing the city's eastern edge like a fortress. Montana's largest city offers surprisingly cosmopolitan dining and culture. The Yellowstone River meanders through town offering fishing.

Country

USA

Best months to visit

June, July, August, September

Currency

USD

Language

English

Things to do in Billings

Hike trails up the Rimrocks for city views Fish the Yellowstone River for trout Visit the Yellowstone Art Museum Explore downtown galleries and restaurants Tour nearby Pompey's Pillar historic rock inscription Attend outdoor concerts at riverfront venues

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

Cold, with occasional showers.

February

Cold, with occasional showers.

March

Cold, with occasional showers.

April

14C

Cool, with some rainy days.

May

20C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

Recommended

June

26C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

Recommended

July

32C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

August

30C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

September

24C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

October

16C

Cool, with occasional showers.

November

Cold, with occasional showers.

December

Cold, with occasional showers.

Billings is Montana's largest city and sits beneath the dramatic sandstone Rimrocks, with Pictograph Cave State Park's ancient rock art just outside town. It's less a destination in itself than a gateway — to Yellowstone via the Beartooth Highway, to the Crow and Northern Cheyenne reservations, and to the wide-open ranchland of eastern Montana — but its revitalised downtown has enough breweries and galleries to fill an evening.

Best areas to stay in Billings

Downtown Billings

Revitalised core with breweries, restaurants, and galleries along Montana Avenue's historic warehouse row.

The Rimrocks

Sandstone cliffs overlooking the city, with overlooks, trails, and the Yellowstone Air & Space Museum at their base.

West End

The newer commercial and hotel district, convenient for chain accommodation near the interstate.

Pictograph Cave area

A short drive southeast, home to centuries-old Native American rock art in a quiet canyon setting.

Getting to Billings

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Flights

Fly into Billings Logan International Airport (BIL), Montana's busiest airport.

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From London

~11–13 hours from London with one or two connections.

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Getting around

A car is necessary for almost everything beyond downtown, including the Rimrocks and onward travel to Yellowstone.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Billings?

Late spring to early autumn, when the Beartooth Highway to Yellowstone is open and the weather is mild.

How do I get around Billings?

A car is essential, both within the spread-out city and for reaching the Rimrocks, Pictograph Cave, and onward routes to Yellowstone.

What's the Beartooth Highway?

A spectacular high-altitude route from Billings toward Yellowstone's northeast entrance, often called one of America's most scenic drives — open roughly late May to mid-October.

Is Billings worth an overnight stop?

Yes if heading to Yellowstone or the Black Hills — it breaks up a long drive and has a genuinely good downtown food and brewery scene.

What should I see nearby?

Pictograph Cave State Park, the Rimrocks overlook, and the Yellowstone County Museum are all close to the city.

Traveler reviews

★★★★☆

Stopped here en route to Yellowstone via the Beartooth Highway — the drive itself was the highlight, but downtown Billings had a great brewery for the evening.

Greg N. · August 2024

★★★★☆

Pictograph Cave was a lovely surprise — quiet, free, and genuinely interesting rock art in a pretty canyon just outside town.

Mary J. · June 2023

★★★☆☆

Not much to detain you for long, but a convenient and comfortable overnight stop with decent restaurants downtown.

Dave R. · September 2024