Things to Do in Billings in April

April Weather in Billings

55°C (134°F) High Temp

34°C (94°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Shoulder season pricing - accommodation rates drop 20-30% compared to summer peak, with downtown hotels averaging $90-120 vs $140-180 in July
Perfect hiking weather - daytime temps of 18-21°C (65-70°F) ideal for Rimrock Trail and Pictograph Cave without summer's scorching heat
Wildflower blooming season begins - prairie pasque flowers and mountain lupine start appearing in late April across the Beartooth Mountains
Extended daylight hours - sunset moves from 7:45pm to 8:15pm through April, giving extra time for outdoor photography at the Rims

Considerations

Unpredictable spring weather - can swing from 2°C (35°F) to 24°C (75°F) in a single day, requiring layered clothing and flexible indoor backup plans
Mud season on trails - snowmelt makes many backcountry hiking trails muddy and sometimes impassable, especially in Beartooth foothills
Limited seasonal attractions open - some mountain access roads like Beartooth Highway typically don't open until late May, restricting high-altitude activities

Best Activities in April

Pictograph Cave State Park Exploration

April's mild temperatures 15-20°C (60-68°F) make this the ideal month for the 0.8 km (0.5 mile) interpretive trail before summer heat sets in. The three caves contain 2,000-year-old rock art, and spring lighting provides excellent photography conditions. Crowds are minimal compared to summer months.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required for day visits. Entry fees are $6 per vehicle for Montana residents, $8 for non-residents. Visit early morning (8-10am) for best lighting on the cave paintings. See current guided tour options in the booking section below.

Yellowstone River Float Trips

April marks the start of prime floating season as spring runoff begins but hasn't reached peak levels. Water temperatures are cool but manageable with proper gear. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals emerge from winter - bald eagles, deer, and waterfowl are most active. River levels are typically ideal for beginner to intermediate floaters.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead as outfitters begin seasonal operations. Half-day trips typically cost $85-120 per person, full-day $140-180. Most outfitters provide all equipment including dry suits for April conditions. Licensed guides required for multi-day trips.

ZooMontana Wildlife Encounters

April is prime time as animals emerge from winter dormancy and breeding behaviors begin. The 70-acre facility showcases native Montana species in naturalistic settings. Spring weather makes the 1.6 km (1 mile) walking trail comfortable, and many animals are more active in cooler morning temperatures before summer heat.

Booking Tip: Open daily 9am-4pm, admission $12 adults, $8 children. No reservations needed except for behind-the-scenes tours ($25 additional). Morning visits (9-11am) offer best animal activity. Check current special programs in booking section below.

Historic Downtown Walking Tours

April's comfortable walking weather 10-18°C (50-65°F) is perfect for exploring Billings' 1885-era downtown district. The 2.4 km (1.5 mile) self-guided historic trail includes the Moss Mansion, Western Heritage Center, and original Northern Pacific Railway buildings. Spring conditions mean fewer crowds and ideal outdoor photography.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free with downloadable maps from Visit Billings. Guided tours typically cost $15-25 per person and run weekends starting in April. Moss Mansion tours are $12 adults and require advance booking. Duration is 2-3 hours total.

The Rims Hiking and Photography

The 400-foot sandstone cliffs surrounding Billings offer spectacular city and mountain views, especially in April's clear air before summer haze. Multiple trail options from 1.6-8 km (1-5 miles) suit all fitness levels. Sunrise and sunset photography conditions are exceptional, with clean mountain views stretching 160 km (100 miles) to the Beartooth Mountains.

Booking Tip: Free access to most trailheads. Swords Park and Four Dances Natural Area offer easiest access. No permits required for day hiking. Bring layers - temperatures can drop 10°C (18°F) from city level to rim level. Allow 2-4 hours depending on route chosen.

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

Located 95 km (59 miles) southeast, this historic site is ideal in April's mild weather before summer crowds arrive. The 2.4 km (1.5 mile) battlefield tour road and walking trails offer excellent interpretation of the 1876 battle. Spring conditions provide clear views across the rolling prairie landscape where Custer's Last Stand occurred.

Booking Tip: Open daily 8am-6pm, $25 per vehicle (valid 7 days). No advance reservations needed. Self-guided driving tour takes 2-3 hours. Ranger programs available weekends. Located 1 hour drive from Billings - combine with day trip planning through booking options below.

April Events & Festivals

Late April

Earth Day Celebration at Riverfront Park

Annual environmental awareness event featuring local sustainability vendors, live music, and educational displays about Yellowstone River ecology. Family-friendly activities include guided nature walks and wildlife identification workshops.

Early April

Spring Art Walk Downtown

Monthly first-Friday art walk showcasing local galleries, studios, and pop-up exhibits throughout the historic downtown district. Features regional artists, wine tastings, and live music at participating venues.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system essential - temperatures swing 15-20°C (25-35°F) daily, pack t-shirts, fleece, and warm jacket

Waterproof hiking boots - spring snowmelt creates muddy trail conditions, especially in first 800m (0.5 miles) of most trails

SPF 50+ sunscreen - Montana's high elevation 948m (3,110 ft) intensifies UV exposure even in spring weather

Light rain jacket - April averages 10 rainy days with brief afternoon showers lasting 20-30 minutes

Warm hat and gloves - morning temperatures can drop to 2°C (35°F) even when afternoons reach 21°C (70°F)

Polarized sunglasses - essential for glare from remaining snow patches and bright prairie light

Insulated water bottle - stays warm during cool mornings, cold during warm afternoons

Cash for attractions - many local sites like Pictograph Cave only accept cash or check payments

Binoculars - wildlife viewing peaks in April as animals emerge from winter, useful for river and rim hiking

Comfortable walking shoes - downtown historic district requires significant walking on varied surfaces

Insider Knowledge

Local ranchers avoid mountain access roads until May 1st due to mud season - stick to city-area trails and river activities in April

Moss Mansion offers special spring garden tours in late April when tulips bloom - these aren't advertised but available by calling ahead

Gas up before heading to Little Bighorn - no services for 48 km (30 miles) between Billings and the monument, and spring weather can be unpredictable

Downtown parking is free after 6pm and weekends - time your historic walking tours accordingly to save $8-12 daily parking fees

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for warm weather based on high temperatures - April mornings regularly drop below 5°C (40°F) even when afternoons hit 20°C (70°F)

Attempting Beartooth Highway access - this scenic mountain route typically doesn't open until late May due to snow, disappointing many first-time visitors

Underestimating distances to attractions - Montana scale is deceiving, Little Bighorn is 95 km (59 miles) and requires full day planning