Summer Road Trips in Montana
Routes
30
Avg Distance
545 mi
Avg Drive
9h 48m
Destinations
17
Summer in Montana means long daylight hours perfect for exploring its vast landscapes. The 30 routes here average 545 miles and nearly 10 hours, with drive scores reaching up to 7. You'll encounter high-altitude sections, some over 6,000 feet, offering dramatic views. While EV charging infrastructure is limited across these longer trips, the open roads and stunning summer weather make Montana a prime destination for extended drives.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$3.96/gal
Diesel: $4.80/gal
Typical trip cost
$72–$106
One-way, ~545 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~191 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-07-13
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.
Summer hazards: what the data says
Recent seismic activity (last 7 days)
1 earthquakes M3.0+ — strongest M3.3 in Montana.
Source: USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
Historical context — not a real-time advisory. Always check local road conditions before departing.
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 route stands out with a drive score of 7 and reaches a maximum elevation of 6,096 feet, showcasing Montana's high-altitude terrain. Covering 682.9 miles, it offers a substantial long-haul experience with notable climbs.
Editor's pick
Baker, MT → Whitefish, MT
With access to parks and a drive score of 6, this 641.3-mile trip features hilly terrain and moderate elevation changes up to 4,544 feet. It provides a scenic journey through varied landscapes.
Editor's pick
Sidney, MT → Hamilton, MT
Through: Opportunity → Phillipsburg
Boasting a drive score of 7 and reaching 5,405 feet, this 600.2-mile route presents challenging high-altitude sections. It's a significant drive for those looking to experience Montana's dramatic climbs.
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
Plentywood, MT → Kalispell, MT
Lame Deer, MT → Whitefish, MT
Through: Garrison
Plentywood, MT → Evergreen, MT
Baker, MT → Missoula, MT
Missoula, MT → Glendive, MT
Whitefish, MT → Plentywood, MT
Sidney, MT → Evergreen, MT
Lame Deer, MT → Kalispell, MT
Through: Garrison
Evergreen, MT → Forsyth, MT
Miles City, MT → Ronan, MT
Libby, MT → Billings, MT
Dillon, MT → Sidney, MT
Helena, MT → Sidney, MT
Belgrade, MT → Plentywood, MT
Through: Sidney
Seeley Lake, MT → Miles City, MT
Hardin, MT → Evergreen, MT
Through: Garrison
Miles City, MT → Missoula, MT
Missoula, MT → Wolf Point, MT
Lockwood, MT → Whitefish, MT
Through: Garrison
Wolf Point, MT → Evergreen, MT
Billings, MT → Whitefish, MT
Through: Garrison
Columbia Falls, MT → Lockwood, MT