The climate of Columbia Falls
Positioned to the north-western corner of
Montana,
Columbia Falls is subject to a Humid Continental climate, with warm summers and no dry season, as per the Köppen climate classification. Throughout the year, the town undergoes a considerable variation in weather patterns, from chilling winters reaching as low as 13.8°F (-10.1°C) in
January to pleasantly warm summer months peaking at about 77.9°F (25.5°C) in
July.
The relative humidity generally stays above the 50% mark all year round, with January and
February recording the highest figures at 93% and 91% respectively, and July and
August experiencing the least humid conditions with values around 56% and 55%. Rainfall is uniformly distributed throughout the year, varying from a low of 0.43" (11mm) in August to a high of 1.42" (36mm) in
June. Additionally, the number of rainfall days are marginally more pronounced during the springtime, with
April and
May experiencing 15.8 and 13.8 days of rain respectively.
The unique weather exhibit also includes significant snowfall ranging from 0.04" (1mm) in
September up to 7.72" (196mm) during the month of January, with the most frequent snowfall days recorded during the cold winter months of January and
December. The visibility portrait highlights a consistent range from 4 miles in winter to about 6 miles from May to
November.
The best time to visit Columbia Falls
For sun-seeking visitors eyeing outdoor activities and excursions, the best time to venture to
Columbia Falls is during the summertime, particularly from
June through
August. The average temperature rises to a comfortable range of 59.5°F (15.3°C) to 77.9°F (25.5°C) providing ample sunshine and optimal daylight spanning over 14.3 hours to 16 hours. The UV index is also high during summer, with June and
July peaking at 6. This period concurrently exhibits the lowest percentage of cloud cover, thereby giving tourists an uninterrupted view of the scenic surroundings.
The worst time to visit Columbia Falls
Visitors especially intolerant to cold weather conditions might find the winter months from
November to
February challenging to endure in
Columbia Falls. The temperature drops significantly, plummeting to as low as 13.8°F (-10.1°C) in
January. The place witnesses frequent snowfall, with the most extensive coverage occurring in January with a substantial 7.72" (196mm). The daylight hours also shrink during these months, reducing to as little as 8.4 hours in the month of
December.
Spring weather in Columbia Falls
The season of spring from
March to
May in
Columbia Falls is marked by a steady rise in temperatures from 36.1°F (2.3°C) to 59.5°F (15.3°C). Nonetheless, it also witnesses the highest number of rainfall days, reaching up to 15.8 days in
April, with rainfall ranging from 0.98" (25mm) to 1.1" (28mm). The length of daylight increases progressively, reaching 15.3 hours by May, while the average sunshine hours rise to 8.6 hours in May.
Summer weather in Columbia Falls
June through
August is a summer treat with temperatures soaring up to 77.9°F (25.5°C) on average, alongside extended daylight of around 15.6 hours, making it perfect for outdoor fun. Along with temperature, relative humidity drops while sunshine hours peak, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors. However, June experiences the highest rainfall of the year, marking 1.42" (36mm).
Autumn weather in Columbia Falls
Autumn, spanning from
September to
November, begins with a dip in temperature from 65.5°F (18.6°C) to 34.5°F (1.4°C) by the end of November. Rainfall decreases steadily from 0.71" (18mm) to 1.14" (29mm), with around 8.5 to 11.5 days experiencing rainfall in these months. Average sunshine hours diminish to 5.1 hours in November, marking the significant transition from summer to winter in
Columbia Falls.
Winter weather in Columbia Falls
Winter months from
December to
February bring in severe cold conditions with temperature spans between 25.7°F (-3.5°C) and 13.8°F (-10.1°C). These months observe significant snowfall, reaching up to 7.72" (196mm) in
January with frequent snowfall days. The sunlight hours shrink to as low as 4 hours per day, accompanied by the cloud percentage shooting up to 65%, hence delivering a true, frosty winter experience.
Weather in January
January weather in
Columbia Falls,
Montana, USA is characterized by the coldest temperatures of the year and highest snowfall, with the latter reaching 7.72" (196mm) and the lowest temperature dropping to 14.4°F (-9.8°C). The city also faces the longest nights and most cloud cover, which contributes to the decreased daylight hours and intense cold.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
Columbia Falls,
February weather shows general improvement compared to
January, although it still retains the characteristic chills of the winter season. There is a decrease in snowfall from 7.72" (196mm) in January to 6.26" (159mm), and the temperatures also start to climb gradually.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Columbia Falls,
Montana, USA brings a significant change in weather patterns compared to
February, marking the transition from winter to spring. The notable shift is the reduction in snowfall, from 6.26" (159mm) in February to 5.08" (129mm) in March, indicating fewer snowfall days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April weather in
Columbia Falls signals a clear shift towards spring, with distinct changes from the weather experienced in
March. The most notable difference is the sharp decrease in snowfall, plunging from 5.08" (129mm) in March down to 2.09" (53mm).
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May, the weather in
Columbia Falls,
Montana, enjoys substantial warmth and sunshine, marking a distinct departure from the cool temperatures of
April. There is a meager trace of snowfall, at just 0.55" (14mm), a significant drop from the 2.09" (53mm) observed in April.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June ushers in the summer season in
Columbia Falls, revealing a drastic change in weather conditions from those seen in
May. June experiences no snowfall, a sharp contrast to the 0.55" (14mm) in May, indicating the season's warm transition.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The distinct characteristic of
July in
Columbia Falls,
Montana, USA is the high average temperatures it experiences. Reaching a peak with an average high of 77.9°F (25.5°C), it's clear that July's weather takes the lead in comparison to the rest of the year.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Columbia Falls retains the high temperature averages witnessed in
July, providing a prolonged warm and sunny period for outdoor enjoyment. However, there is a slight dip in the average temperature high from 77.9°F (25.5°C) in July to 76.8°F (24.9°C).
Weather in August » Weather in September
Weather in October
October in
Columbia Falls introduces a definitive autumnal chill, with dropping temperatures that contrast markedly from warmer
September conditions. The town also resumes snowfall, recording 0.94" (24mm), contrasting the almost non-existent 0.04" (1mm) seen in September.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November, the weather in
Columbia Falls,
Montana, USA begins to embrace the winter season with a noticeable drop in temperature and an increase in snowfall from 0.94" (24mm) in
October to 4.41" (112mm). The daylight hours become increasingly limited, and the cloud cover increases, casting a serene winter charm over the city.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December brings the harshest winter conditions of the year in
Columbia Falls, characterized by a drastic increase in snowfall to 6.77" (172mm), up from
November's 4.41" (112mm). The city faces its shortest daylight hours and longest nights, contributing to consistent low temperatures.
Weather in December »