Summer Road Trips in Montana
Routes
30
Avg Distance
491 mi
Avg Drive
8h 49m
Destinations
24
Summer in Montana means hitting the road for expansive views and long days. With 30 routes averaging 491 miles and over 8 hours, you can really cover ground. Expect drives with high-altitude sections reaching over 6,000 feet and plenty of opportunities for exploration. This season offers good access to the state's natural beauty, making it ideal for a comprehensive road trip.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$4.47/gal
Diesel: $5.35/gal
Typical trip cost
$65–$120
One-way, ~491 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~172 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-06-01
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 extensive 683-mile drive offers a high-altitude experience with significant climbs, topping out at 6,096 feet. It's a substantial route for those looking to cover a lot of Montana terrain.
Editor's pick
Baker, MT → Whitefish, MT
Featuring hilly terrain and over 8 DC fast chargers, this 641-mile option includes park access. It's a solid choice for covering distance with some charging convenience and natural stops.
Editor's pick
Sidney, MT → Hamilton, MT
Through: Opportunity → Phillipsburg
With excellent EV coverage and 23 DC fast chargers, this 600-mile route includes parks and high-altitude sections up to 5,405 feet. It balances extensive driving with robust charging infrastructure.
Evergreen, MT → Miles City, MT
Kalispell, MT → Miles City, MT
Kalispell, MT → Colstrip, MT
Through: Broadus
Glendive, MT → Kalispell, MT
Evergreen, MT → West Glendive, MT
Lame Deer, MT → Whitefish, MT
Through: Garrison
Baker, MT → Missoula, MT
Evergreen, MT → Forsyth, MT
Miles City, MT → Ronan, MT
Libby, MT → Billings, MT
Missoula, MT → Wolf Point, MT
Columbia Falls, MT → Billings, MT
Miles City, MT → North Browning, MT
Columbia Falls, MT → Laurel, MT
Miles City, MT → South Browning, MT
Miles City, MT → Lincoln, MT
Through: Ennis
Lockwood, MT → Bigfork, MT
Through: Garrison
Evergreen, MT → Laurel, MT
Sidney, MT → Belgrade, MT
Libby, MT → Livingston, MT
Lockwood, MT → Polson, MT
Sidney, MT → Bozeman, MT
Evergreen, MT → Roundup, MT
Whitefish, MT → West Yellowstone, MT
Through: Boulder
Miles City, MT → West Yellowstone, MT
Billings, MT → Frenchtown, MT
Lockwood, MT → Orchard Homes, MT