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Weather in Missoula
Garden city between five valleys
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About Missoula
Missoula nestles between five mountain valleys in emerald landscape where the Clark Fork and Blackfoot Rivers converge. The college town vibrates with literary culture and outdoor gear shops. The University of Montana anchors cultural venues.
Best months to visit
June, July, August, September
Things to do in Missoula
Kayak or raft the Clark Fork or Blackfoot Rivers
Hike trails in the surrounding national forests
Visit Powell's Books and the local bookstore scene
Tour the University of Montana campus
Explore downtown galleries and indie shops
Attend outdoor concerts and farmers' markets
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
2C
Cold, with some rainy days.
February
2C
Cold, with some rainy days.
March
8C
Cold, with some rainy days.
April
13C
Cool, with some rainy days.
May
19C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
Recommended
June
24C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
Recommended
July
30C
Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
August
29C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
September
23C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
October
15C
Cool, with some rainy days.
November
6C
Cold, with some rainy days.
December
2C
Cold, with some rainy days.
Missoula sits where five valleys meet, ringed by mountains and split by the Clark Fork River, which runs right through downtown with a riverside trail popular with the University of Montana's student population. It has a noticeably youthful, outdoorsy energy — bookshops, breweries, and a Saturday farmers' market — and makes an excellent base for hiking, rafting, and exploring Glacier National Park further north.
Best areas to stay in Missoula
Downtown Missoula
Walkable core along the Clark Fork River with breweries, bookshops, and the Saturday Clark Fork Farmers' Market.
University District
Home to the University of Montana campus and the popular 'M' trail hike up Mount Sentinel.
Hip Strip
South of the river, a stretch of independent restaurants, bars, and shops popular with locals.
Rattlesnake Valley
A residential area bordering the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, great for accessible hiking and trail running.
Getting to Missoula
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Flights
Fly into Missoula Montana Airport (MSO).
⏱
From London
~12–14 hours from London with one or two connections.
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Getting around
Downtown and the university area are walkable; a car is recommended for surrounding trails, rivers, and onward travel to Glacier National Park.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Missoula?
Late spring through early autumn for hiking and river activities; the Clark Fork is popular for tubing and floating in summer.
How do I get around Missoula?
Downtown and the university area are walkable and bike-friendly; a car is needed for trips into the surrounding mountains or to Glacier National Park.
What's the food and drink scene like?
Strong for a small city — numerous craft breweries, a respected farmers' market, and a good range of independent restaurants near downtown.
Is Missoula a good base for Glacier National Park?
It's about 2.5 hours from Glacier's southern entrances, making it a feasible (if not the closest) base, especially combined with other Montana stops.
What outdoor activities are nearby?
Hiking up Mount Sentinel for the 'M' trail views, floating the Clark Fork or Blackfoot rivers, and mountain biking trails just outside town.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Loved the energy here — floated the Clark Fork on a hot afternoon and then walked into town for dinner and a brewery. Felt like a mini Boulder.
Holly W. · July 2024
★★★★☆
Great hiking right from town — did the 'M' trail for sunset views over the valley. Good base for a few days before heading north to Glacier.
Ian F. · September 2023
★★★★★
The farmers' market on Saturday morning was a real highlight, and the riverside path is lovely for an evening walk.
Cathy O. · June 2024
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