Montana : Climatic Conditions

Montana is separated into two distinct climatic regions by the Continental Divide. The west generally has a milder climate than the east, where winters can be really cold. Maximum daytime temperature averages 27°F (–2°C) in January and 85°F (29°C) in July. Great Falls has a normal daily mean temperature of 45°F (7°C), ranging from 21°F (–6°C) in January to 69°F (21°C) in July. The Chinook winds from the eastern Rocky Mountains bring rapid increase in temperature during the winter months with an increase of 40–50°F within a few minutes. Great Falls received an average annual precipitation (1971–2000) of 14.9 in (37.8 cm), but most parts of north-central Montana are dry.