Summer Road Trips in Montana
Routes
30
Avg Distance
564 mi
Avg Drive
10h 11m
Destinations
19
Montana in the summer offers an expansive canvas for road trippers, with 30 routes averaging 566 miles and over 10 hours. Drivers can expect drives with a score range of 6-7, with high-altitude sections reaching over 6,000 feet. With excellent EV coverage on some routes and numerous parks accessible, summer is ideal for experiencing the vast landscapes and rugged terrain Montana is known for.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$4.61/gal
Diesel: $6.28/gal
Typical trip cost
$91–$124
One-way, ~564 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~197 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-10-19
Climate through the year: Montana
Montana peaks at around 85°F in Jul and cools to 31°F / 18°F in Dec. Wettest month is Jun at ~2.1 in of rain. Table highlights Summer months.
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain in | Snow in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 18 | 1 | 9.9 |
| Feb | 37 | 21 | 0.9 | 8.5 |
| Mar | 48 | 27 | 0.9 | 5 |
| Apr | 56 | 32 | 1.4 | 1.3 |
| May | 66 | 40 | 1.8 | 0.3 |
| Jun peak | 73 | 46 | 2.1 | — |
| Jul peak | 85 | 52 | 0.9 | — |
| Aug peak | 84 | 50 | 0.8 | — |
| Sep | 73 | 42 | 1 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 56 | 32 | 1.2 | 0.9 |
| Nov | 40 | 25 | 1.2 | 5.4 |
| Dec | 31 | 18 | 1.1 | 11.6 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for MT — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.
Planning Tips
- Carry extra water — summer heat in the car and at rest stops dehydrates faster than you think.
- Start drives early or late to avoid peak afternoon heat, especially through desert or plains stretches.
- Check your tire pressure before long summer drives — hot pavement increases blowout risk with underinflated tires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summer Routes
Editor's pick
Sidney, MT → Polson, MT
This 682-mile route scores a 7 and features high-altitude sections with notable climbs, topping out at 6,096 feet. With excellent EV coverage and 32 DC fast chargers, it's a well-supported option for exploring Montana's parks.
Editor's pick
Baker, MT → Whitefish, MT
Covering 641 miles, this drive offers hilly terrain and moderate elevation changes up to 4,544 feet. It's a strong choice for those wanting to explore Montana's park system.
Editor's pick
Sidney, MT → Hamilton, MT
Through: Opportunity → Phillipsburg
This 600-mile trip boasts a drive score of 7, with high-altitude sections and climbs reaching 5,405 feet. It also offers excellent EV coverage with 23 DC fast chargers, making it a convenient way to see the state's parks.
Evergreen, MT → Miles City, MT
Kalispell, MT → Miles City, MT
Miles City, MT → Thompson Falls, MT
Eureka, MT → Miles City, MT
Kalispell, MT → Colstrip, MT
Through: Broadus
Glendive, MT → Kalispell, MT
Evergreen, MT → West Glendive, MT
Kalispell, MT → Plentywood, MT
Lame Deer, MT → Whitefish, MT
Through: Garrison
Plentywood, MT → Evergreen, MT
Baker, MT → Missoula, MT
Bigfork, MT → Sidney, MT
Missoula, MT → Glendive, MT
Whitefish, MT → Plentywood, MT
Sidney, MT → Evergreen, MT
Lame Deer, MT → Kalispell, MT
Through: Garrison
Evergreen, MT → Forsyth, MT
Kalispell, MT → Forsyth, MT
Miles City, MT → Pablo, MT
Libby, MT → Lockwood, MT
Miles City, MT → Ronan, MT
Libby, MT → Billings, MT
Dillon, MT → Sidney, MT
Plentywood, MT → Helena, MT
Helena, MT → Sidney, MT
Belgrade, MT → Plentywood, MT
Through: Sidney
Seeley Lake, MT → Miles City, MT