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Climate
Billings enjoys sunny weather that is surprisingly mild for a city in the northern United States. The climate is classified as semiarid and features humidity levels that are comfortably low year round. Average annual precipitation totals nearly 15 inches, 52 percent of which falls during the growing season (May-September). Snowfall averages about 56.9 inches annually, but seldom accumulates to great depths because of frequent thawing periods. The mountains to the west provide warm "Chinook" winds which often melt city snows and bring spring-like temperatures in the midst of January and February. Billings frequently enjoys "open" winters when cold waves bypass the area completely, passing far to the east of Montana.

Spring brings rapid fluctuations in the weather with periods of rain and wet snow. City residents look for their spring perennial to appear as early as mid-March. Wise gardeners wait until mid-May to plant, however, because the last frost can occur as late as May 15th.

Summer is characterized by low humidity and warm, sunny days which fade into pleasantly cool evenings. Occasional thunderstorms pass through the area but usually bring only small amounts of rain. Autumn days are mild and nights are cool. The first frost usually comes around September 25th, and is typically followed by an "Indian Summer." The transition to winter weather is gradual and commonly takes place in late November or early December.

Severe weather problems endured by many cities across the nation (fog, ice storms, frequent high winds, destructive hailstorms, etc.) are a rarity in Billings. A sheltered location and low humidity levels give Billings and the Yellowstone Valley enjoyably mild weather which is a welcome exception to northern climates.

Billings Monthly Temperatures and Precipitation
Source: Montana State University – Billings’ Center for Applied Economic Research

Elevation 3500 ft above sea level
Annual Average Temperature 47.1
January Average Temperature 27.1
July Average Temperature 72.5
Annual Mean Snowfall 57
Annual Mean Rainfall 14.77