Things to Do in Billings in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Billings
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing on accommodations - hotels typically run 20-30% cheaper than summer peak rates, and you can book quality places just 2-3 weeks out instead of months ahead
- Mild spring weather before the brutal summer heat arrives - daytime temps in the 15-21°C (60-70°F) range make outdoor activities actually enjoyable, especially hiking the Rims trails
- Trout fishing season opens mid-April on the Yellowstone River - water levels are perfect, crowds haven't arrived yet, and local fly shops report this as one of the best windows before runoff muddies things up in May
- ZooMontana spring baby animal season - April is when you'll see newborn grizzly cubs, wolf pups, and other young animals at their most active, which honestly makes the visit worthwhile if you're traveling with kids
Considerations
- Genuinely unpredictable weather - you might get 21°C (70°F) and sunny one day, then wake up to snow the next. Pack for all four seasons because April in Montana doesn't commit to anything
- Pictograph Cave State Park and some higher-elevation trails stay muddy or closed until late April - the freeze-thaw cycle turns paths into slick mud traps, so call ahead before planning hiking-focused days
- Wind - and I mean WIND - April averages 19-24 km/h (12-15 mph) sustained with gusts hitting 48-64 km/h (30-40 mph). Outdoor restaurant patios aren't pleasant, and driving high-profile vehicles gets sketchy
Best Activities in April
Yellowstone River Fly Fishing
April marks the opener for trout season, and the Yellowstone River through Billings offers some of the most accessible blue-ribbon fishing in Montana. Water temps are rising but still cool enough that fish are actively feeding. The cottonwoods haven't leafed out yet, so you get clearer casting lanes. Crowds are minimal compared to June-August madness. Weather can shift fast - that variable April pattern means you might fish in a t-shirt at 2pm and need a fleece layer by 5pm.
Rimrock Trail Hiking
The 10 km (6.2 mile) trail system along the Rims offers stunning views over Billings and the Yellowstone Valley, and April is ideal before summer heat makes the exposed sandstone cliffs brutal. You'll catch wildflowers starting to bloom - arrowleaf balsamroot and prairie smoke typically appear late April. Mornings are crisp at 4-7°C (40-45°F), afternoons warm to that perfect 15-18°C (60-65°F) hiking range. The variable weather means you should start early - if storms roll in, you're completely exposed up there with zero shelter.
Brewery and Distillery Tours
Billings has developed a solid craft beverage scene with 8-10 breweries and several distilleries clustered in the downtown and West End areas. April is perfect for this because the weather drives you indoors anyway - those variable conditions and wind make outdoor activities a gamble, but taprooms are consistently cozy. Most places offer free tours on weekends, and the spring release beers start appearing. Locals actually go out more in April since winter cabin fever is breaking but summer tourists haven't arrived.
Pompeys Pillar National Monument Day Trip
This sandstone outcrop 45 km (28 miles) east of Billings features William Clark's signature from the 1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition - the only remaining physical evidence of the expedition you can still see. April visitation is light, so you can actually spend time with the signature without crowds. The 0.8 km (0.5 mile) boardwalk trail to the top is exposed, but April temps make it comfortable. That 70% humidity you're seeing in the data is actually low for this area - it feels dry compared to coastal climates, which makes the walk pleasant.
Western Heritage Center Museum
Housed in the 1901 Parmly Billings Library building, this museum covers Yellowstone River Valley history from Indigenous peoples through homesteading to present day. It's genuinely well-curated - not the dusty local history you might expect. April is smart timing because those 10 rainy days and unpredictable weather mean you need quality indoor backup plans. The building itself is worth seeing, and they rotate exhibits quarterly, so spring 2026 will have fresh content. Takes 90-120 minutes to see properly.
Moss Mansion Historic House Tours
This 1903 mansion is one of the best-preserved homes from Billings' early boom period, with original furnishings, Tiffany glass, and that Gilded Age excess vibe. Guided tours run about 60 minutes and actually provide insight into early Montana wealth from cattle and banking. April is ideal because it's another weather-proof activity, and spring tour groups are small - you might get a semi-private experience. The mansion stays a consistent temperature year-round, which feels great when it's windy and variable outside.
April Events & Festivals
Billings Home and Garden Show
Typically runs early April at MetraPark, this is Montana's largest home improvement and garden expo. Sounds mundane, but it's actually where you see what locals are into - everyone emerges from winter planning their yards and renovations. Good people-watching, free gardening seminars, and honestly a cultural snapshot of Billings life. Plus it's entirely indoors across 9,290 square meters (100,000 square feet), which matters when April weather is doing its thing.
Easter Egg Hunt at Pioneer Park
If Easter falls in April 2026 (it does - April 12), the city-sponsored egg hunt at Pioneer Park draws 2,000-plus kids and families. It's a genuine community event, not touristy, but if you're traveling with children it's free entertainment and a chance to see Billings families in action. Separate age groups hunt simultaneously. Over in 20 minutes but fun chaos while it lasts.