Montana

Climate in Montana

Though Montana's east and west regions are separated by the Continental Divide and experience very different climates, the state is generally hot and dry in summer, and cold with snow in winter. The western regions generally have a milder climate than the east, with warmer winters, cooler summers, and lighter winds. Their rainfall is also more evenly distributed throughout the year. The east tends to have less humidity than the west, as well as more sunny days on average. Montana's cold winters are frequently broken by warm, windy spells in the east, known as Chinook winds, which can last for several days at a time. The heaviest snowfall throughout the state is from November to March, and most cities receive an annual average of 30 to 50 inches (76 to 127cm). Rainfall is generally light, with most falling between May and July.