Seasonal Guide to Great Falls: What to Do Every Month of the Year
Great Falls, Montana offers year-round adventures and attractions for visitors, with each season bringing its own unique experiences. Whether you're planning a family vacation, business trip, or extended stay, this month-by-month guide will help you make the most of your visit to the Electric City. The centrally-located Aisling Hotel serves as the perfect home base for exploring all that Great Falls has to offer throughout the year.
January: Winter Wonderland
Weather: Average highs of 34°F, lows of 13°F. Expect snow and chilly conditions.
Activities:
Cross-country skiing at the nearby Silver Crest Winter Recreation Area
Ice fishing on local frozen lakes and reservoirs
Snowshoeing along portions of the River's Edge Trail
Indoor swimming at the Great Falls Community Recreation Center
Events:
Western Art Week preparations begin
Montana PRCA Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals
Ice skating at Gibson Park (weather permitting)
Aisling Hotel Advantage: Our cozy rooms provide the perfect warm retreat after a day of winter activities. Ask our front desk about equipment rentals and the best local spots for winter recreation.
February: Arts & Culture Month
Weather: Average highs of 37°F, lows of 16°F. Still firmly in winter with potential for heavy snowfall.
Activities:
Explore the C.M. Russell Museum's extensive collections
Visit the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art
Take in a performance at the Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts
Enjoy winter sports at Showdown Montana ski area (just an hour's drive away)
Events:
Great Falls Symphony performances
Valentine's Day special events at local restaurants
First Friday Art Walk downtown
Aisling Hotel Advantage: Our downtown location puts you within walking distance of Great Falls' cultural district, meaning no driving on potentially snowy roads.
March: Western Heritage Month
Weather: Average highs of 46°F, lows of 23°F. Early signs of spring begin to appear, though winter conditions can persist.
Activities:
Attend Western Art Week events throughout the city
Visit The History Museum to learn about the region's past
Explore the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
Watch for early spring wildlife along the Missouri River
Events:
The Russell Exhibition and Sale (middle of March)
Western Art Week (multiple venues)
Out West Art Show
First People's Buffalo Jump State Park tours resume
Aisling Hotel Advantage: Many Western Art Week venues are within walking distance, and our knowledgeable staff can provide guidance on the best shows to visit based on your interests.
April: Spring Awakening
Weather: Average highs of 57°F, lows of 31°F. Spring weather can be variable with occasional rain showers and warming temperatures.
Activities:
Birdwatching along the River's Edge Trail as migratory birds return
Fishing as the season opens on portions of the Missouri River
Golfing at one of Great Falls' several courses as they open for the season
Visit Giant Springs State Park and see the freshwater spring in full flow
Events:
Great Falls Home & Garden Show
Ice Breaker Road Race
Earth Day celebrations
Aisling Hotel Advantage: Spring in Montana can bring variable weather - stay with us and enjoy easy access to both indoor and outdoor activities as conditions change.
May: Outdoor Adventure Begins
Weather: Average highs of 67°F, lows of 42°F. Pleasant spring conditions with occasional rain.
Activities:
Hiking at the nearby Sluice Boxes State Park
Mountain biking on area trails
Visit the Great Falls Farmers' Market (opens late May)
Kayaking or canoeing on the Missouri River
Events:
Montana Military Museum reopens for the season
Craft beer festivals begin
Memorial Day ceremonies at local veterans memorials
Great Falls Farmers' Market season begins
Aisling Hotel Advantage: Our knowledgeable staff can recommend the best early season hiking trails based on current conditions, and we offer secure storage for your outdoor gear.
June: Prime Time Montana
Weather: Average highs of 76°F, lows of 50°F. Mostly pleasant conditions with long daylight hours.
Activities:
Guided fly fishing trips on the Missouri River
Visit Giant Springs State Park and the Roe River
Riverside concerts at Gibson Park
Explore the River's Edge Trail extensive system
Events:
Lewis and Clark Festival
Montana Shakespeare in the Parks performances
Great Falls Voyagers baseball season begins
Downtown Summer Jam concert series starts
Aisling Hotel Advantage: June offers perfect weather for exploring Great Falls on foot, and our central location means you can walk to restaurants, shops, and evening entertainment after a day of adventures.
July: Summer in Full Swing
Weather: Average highs of 86°F, lows of 54°F. Warm, dry conditions perfect for outdoor activities.
Activities:
Cool off at Electric City Water Park
Attend weekly Alive@5 downtown events (Thursdays)
Explore the Sun River Wildlife Management Area
Take a day trip to the Gates of the Mountains or Giant Springs
Events:
4th of July Parade and Fireworks
Montana State Fair (late July)
Great Falls Original Farmers' Market (Saturdays)
Aisling Hotel Advantage: After hot summer days, retreat to our air-conditioned comfort while remaining close to evening entertainment options.
August: Festival Season
Weather: Average highs of 84°F, lows of 52°F. Generally warm and dry with occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
Activities:
Float trips on the Missouri River
Hiking in nearby Little Belt Mountains
Visit Malmstrom Air Force Base Museum and Air Park
Day trips to Glacier National Park (2.5 hours away)
Events:
Montana State Fair continues (early August)
Montana Wheat Festival
Great Falls Farmers' Market (Wednesdays and Saturdays)
Outdoor concerts and movies in the park
Aisling Hotel Advantage: Our location offers easy highway access for day trips to surrounding attractions while providing a comfortable base in Great Falls.
September: Fall Colors Begin
Weather: Average highs of 72°F, lows of 44°F. Pleasant fall conditions with cooler evenings.
Activities:
Photography tours to capture fall foliage
Golfing at Meadow Lark Country Club or one of the other area courses
Eagle watching along the Missouri River
Shopping for Montana-made gifts downtown
Events:
What the Hay contest (nearby Utica)
Great Falls Farmers' Market (continues through September)
Mountain biking events
Wine tastings at local venues
Aisling Hotel Advantage: September offers some of Montana's best weather. Our central location allows you to enjoy comfortable daytime explorations and evening dining options all without needing to drive.
October: Fall Splendor
Weather: Average highs of 59°F, lows of 33°F. Fall colors peak with cooler temperatures and occasional early snow.
Activities:
Scenic drives to nearby areas for fall foliage
Visit First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park
Hunting season begins (guided trips available)
Final rounds of golf before winter
Events:
Harvest festivals at local farms
Great Falls Annual Craft Beer Week
Halloween events throughout the city
Last Farmers' Markets of the season
Aisling Hotel Advantage: October weather can be variable - stay with us where both heated indoor attractions and outdoor adventures are equally accessible.
November: Pre-Winter Quiet
Weather: Average highs of 44°F, lows of 22°F. Increasing chance of snow with colder temperatures.
Activities:
Museum tours of the C.M. Russell Museum and Paris Gibson Square
Black Friday shopping at downtown boutiques and Holiday Village Mall
Watch for bald eagles along the Missouri River
Attend performances at the Mansfield Center
Events:
Veterans Day parade
Holiday lighting ceremonies downtown
Great Falls Symphony performances
Pre-Thanksgiving craft markets
Aisling Hotel Advantage: November begins the holiday season - stay with us and enjoy easy walks to downtown shopping, dining, and entertainment as Great Falls prepares for winter festivities.
December: Holiday Season
Weather: Average highs of 35°F, lows of 14°F. Winter conditions with snow likely.
Activities:
Christmas stroll downtown
Cross-country skiing as snow conditions permit
Ice skating at Gibson Park
Holiday shopping at local boutiques
Events:
Christmas Stroll (early December)
Parade of Lights
New Year's Eve celebrations downtown
Holiday concerts and performances
Aisling Hotel Advantage: December in Great Falls offers magical holiday experiences. Our central location puts you in the heart of the festivities with comfortable accommodations just steps away from seasonal events.
Plan Your Visit to Great Falls
No matter when you visit Great Falls, the Aisling Hotel provides the ideal home base for your Montana adventures. Our newly renovated rooms, budget-friendly rates, and unbeatable downtown location make exploring the Electric City convenient and comfortable in any season.
When planning your visit, consider:
Booking early for Western Art Week in March and the Montana State Fair in July/August
Packing layers as Montana weather can change quickly in any season
Asking our staff about current trail conditions and seasonal recommendations
Checking our website for seasonal packages and special rates
From summer water activities to winter arts events, spring wildlife watching to fall foliage tours, Great Falls offers year-round attractions for visitors of all interests. Let the Aisling Hotel be your comfortable, convenient headquarters for exploring all that Montana's Electric City has to offer every month of the year.
