What to Expect When Traveling to Montana in June
Visiting Montana in June? Here’s all the practical info you need to know plus what to expect for national parks in June, as well as some travel info and tips if going this year in June.
While Montana is a wonderful place to visit year-round, its peak travel season begins picking up at the end of June. Most trails and roads in Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks open by the end of the month, and the state’s other outdoor attractions are most enjoyable when the weather is warm.
There’s so much to see in Montana, especially in summer, and one benefit to going in June is you’re beating the really heavy crowds that arrive in July and August.
In fact, early June is Travel Montana Now team member Jackie’s favorite time to go to Yellowstone because it’s less crowded, the weather is warming up, and there’s lots of baby animals to see!
What’s the Weather Like in Montana in June?
June may not be Montana’s hottest month, but it’s still warm. You should expect average highs of 74.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and nighttime temperatures that are mild – on average, 46 degrees Fahrenheit.
Just keep in mind temps can dramatically differ depending what altitude you’re at.
For example, at the end of June in Glacier National Park last year I was wearing pants and a light jacket in the morning, shorts and a t-shirt in the afternoon, and was back to wanting a jacket in the evenings.
Rain is still likely in June, too, so you may want that light jacket to be water-resistant.
Also, wind may make the air feel cooler, but Montana is typically not very humid in June. If you plan to spend time outside at night, pack a light jacket.
How Cheap are Flights to Montana in June?
Since June is the start of Montana’s busiest travel season, expect plane tickets to cost more than they would in the winter, spring, or fall. To ensure you’re getting the best price, be flexible with your dates and compare prices at nearby departure airports.
2021 Travel Tip: If flying to Montana in June 2021, check for car rentals first if you’ll need one while visiting Montana! Travelers are finding an extreme car rental shortage in Montana this year. You may want to fly into Spokane, Washington instead of the typical flight to Bozeman for Glacier and Western Montana. Also look into Billings, Montana instead of Bozeman as you may get luckier finding car rentals there (but maybe not so double check first!). Also check with car dealerships for rentals if the typical Avis, Hertz, etc. car rental shops aren’t showing any available vehicles.
What’s Open at Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks in June?
When you visit Yellowstone National Park in June, you shouldn’t have to deal with road closures like you would in the spring or winter. Almost all of the park’s lodges will be open by June 1st, except for Roosevelt Lodge and Lake Lodge – they open a few days later. You can also camp at the Mammoth Campground and hike through the park. Consider joining a ranger-led activity during your visit, too!
2021 Travel Tip: Road construction is happening in summer 2021 along the route between Tower-Roosevelt and Canyon Village in Yellowstone National Park and is expected to be closed all summer. Because of this, add some backtracking time into your itinerary for the park. Also expect some construction delays at the North Entrance and getting to and from Old Faithful.
Glacier National Park is a bit trickier in June. Some lodges and campgrounds will be open the entire month, but others don’t open until mid-June. For the lodges and campgrounds that are open, be sure to book your stay in advance.
Also, if Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must-do for you on your Glacier trip, you might be better off delaying your trip a few weeks and going to Montana in July. That is because Going-to-the-Sun Road doesn’t always open in June; it depends on how much snowfall happened that winter and how long it takes for the road to be completely cleared.
You can see the historical dates Going-to-the-Sun Road has opened over the past several decades here.
2021 Travel Tip: Glacier National Park is requiring a separate entrance ticket for Going-to-the-Sun Road this summer between the hours of 6am and 5pm from May 28 to September 6, 2021, in addition to the regular park pass due to expecting a record breaking number of visitors in summer 2021. The ticket sales open up for each date 60 days in advance with some held to be released two days in advance. Find out more here.
Other Things to Do in Montana in June
Here are some additional resources to help you plan an epic June Montana vacation:
Best Things to Do in Kalispell
Things to Do in Whitefish for Every Season
15 Things to Do in Bigfork
Ultimate Summer Activities Guide for Flathead Lake
Travel Guide for Montana State Parks Along Flathead Lake
Tips for Visiting the Swan Lake Day Use Area
Best Time of Year to Visit Montana (includes festival ideas!)
Local’s Guide for the Best Things to Do in Bozeman
Favorite Vacation Spots in Montana
Historic Things to Do in Butte, Montana
Why You Should Visit Eastern Montana
Dinosaur Trails & More Things to Do in Glendive
