Things to Do in Billings in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Billings
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak summer weather means unlimited access to outdoor recreation - hiking trails at elevations from 914 m to 1,829 m (3,000 ft to 6,000 ft) are completely snow-free and accessible, unlike spring or fall when higher elevations remain closed
- Montana State Fair runs August 8-16, 2025 at MetraPark - this is THE cultural event of the year with rodeo competitions, agricultural exhibits, and live music that draws 200,000+ attendees and gives authentic insight into Montana ranch culture
- Extended daylight hours with sunset around 8:45 PM means you can start hiking or fishing at 6 AM in cool morning temperatures of 16°C (61°F) and still have evening light for activities until 9 PM - effectively giving you 15+ hours of usable daylight
- River conditions on the Yellowstone River are ideal by mid-August after spring runoff subsides - water clarity improves dramatically for fly fishing, and flows stabilize to 283-425 cubic meters per second (10,000-15,000 cubic feet per second) compared to dangerous June levels of 1,416+ cubic meters per second (50,000+ cubic feet per second)
Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms develop rapidly between 2-6 PM on approximately 10 days throughout the month - these bring lightning danger to exposed ridgelines and can drop temperatures by 11°C (20°F) in 15 minutes, requiring you to plan summit attempts for morning hours and carry layers even on hot days
- Wildfire smoke from regional fires in Idaho, Washington, or western Montana can blow into the Billings area unpredictably, reducing visibility and creating unhealthy air quality that forces cancellation of outdoor plans - August 2024 saw 5 days with AQI above 150, and 2025 conditions depend entirely on regional fire activity
- Accommodation prices peak during Montana State Fair week (August 8-16) with hotels charging 40-60% premiums and requiring 3-night minimum stays - rooms that typically cost 110-140 USD jump to 180-220 USD, and anything within 8 km (5 miles) of MetraPark books solid by June
Best Activities in August
Yellowstone National Park Day Trips
August offers the ONLY guaranteed snow-free access to Yellowstone's high-elevation features like Dunraven Pass at 2,651 m (8,859 ft), which opens fully only from late July through September. The 177 km (110 mile) drive from Billings takes 2.5 hours to the Northeast Entrance. Wildlife viewing peaks in early morning hours from 6-9 AM when temperatures are coolest at 10-16°C (50-61°F) - bison, elk, and bears are most active before midday heat. Crowds are substantial but manageable if you enter before 8 AM. Afternoon thunderstorms are common after 3 PM, so plan geothermal basin visits for morning hours. The long daylight means you can leave Billings at 5:30 AM, spend a full 8-9 hours in the park, and return by 7 PM with sunset light remaining.
Pictograph Cave State Park Hiking
Located just 11 km (7 miles) southeast of downtown Billings, this site offers a 1.2 km (0.75 mile) interpretive trail through three caves containing 2,000+ year-old rock art. August is ideal because the trail is completely dry with no mud or snow, and the caves provide natural shade during midday heat. The elevation gain of only 61 m (200 ft) makes this accessible for all fitness levels, but the exposed sections heat up significantly - plan visits for 7-10 AM when temperatures are 18-24°C (65-75°F) rather than afternoon heat above 32°C (90°F). The UV index of 8 means sunscreen is essential on exposed sections. This is perfect for a 2-hour morning activity before heading to air-conditioned museums or lunch.
Yellowstone River Float Trips
August marks prime floating season as spring runoff subsides and water temperatures reach 16-19°C (60-66°F) - still cold but tolerable for swimming breaks. The section from Billings to Pompeys Pillar (45 km/28 miles) offers Class I-II water perfect for beginners, with 4-6 hour float times. You will see sandstone cliffs, occasional wildlife including eagles and deer, and historic sites. The afternoon thunderstorm pattern means morning launches between 8-10 AM are strongly preferred - you will be off the water by 2-3 PM before storms develop. Water levels by August stabilize to safe, predictable flows unlike the dangerous high water of June. The extended daylight allows for leisurely pacing with lunch stops on sandbars.
Beartooth Highway Scenic Drive
This 109 km (68 mile) highway from Red Lodge to Cooke City reaches 3,337 m (10,947 ft) at Beartooth Pass and is typically only fully open from late June through mid-September - August guarantees access without snow closures. Starting from Billings requires a 97 km (60 mile) drive southwest to Red Lodge, then the highway climbs through alpine tundra with wildflowers peaking in early August. Temperatures at the summit can be 17-22°C (30-40°F) cooler than Billings, so bringing layers is critical. The drive takes 3-4 hours one-way without stops, but plan 8-10 hours total for photography stops, short alpine hikes, and the return journey. Morning starts by 7 AM avoid afternoon thunderstorms that create dangerous lightning above treeline after 2 PM.
Montana State Fair Rodeo and Agricultural Events
Running August 8-16, 2025, this is Montana's largest annual event with professional rodeo competitions, livestock exhibitions, carnival rides, and concerts featuring country and rock acts. The rodeo events at 7 PM showcase bull riding, barrel racing, and bronc riding with competitors from across the western United States. Daytime temperatures reach 32°C (90°F), but evening events cool to comfortable 21-24°C (70-75°F). This provides authentic Montana culture impossible to experience outside this specific two-week window - you will see 4-H youth showing cattle, sheepdog trials, tractor pulls, and commercial exhibits from regional agricultural businesses. The fair draws heavily from rural Montana communities, offering genuine cultural immersion rather than tourist performance.
Pompeys Pillar National Monument Visit
Located 45 km (28 miles) east of Billings along I-94, this sandstone outcrop rises 46 m (150 ft) above the Yellowstone River and contains the only remaining physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition - William Clark's signature carved in 1806. August offers ideal visiting conditions with the 1 km (0.6 mile) boardwalk trail completely dry and accessible, though exposed to full sun. The site includes an interpretive center with air conditioning for midday heat relief. Plan 1.5-2 hours total for the trail, museum, and ranger talks offered at 11 AM and 2 PM daily. The elevation and open terrain mean temperatures feel 3-6°C (5-10°F) hotter than Billings due to sun exposure and lack of shade, so morning visits before 10 AM or late afternoon after 5 PM are most comfortable.
August Events & Festivals
Montana State Fair
Montana's premier agricultural and cultural event featuring PRCA professional rodeo competitions, livestock judging, carnival midway with 40+ rides, commercial exhibitions, 4-H youth programs, and nightly concerts. This is authentic working ranch culture on display - cattle auctions, horse shows, sheepdog trials, and agricultural equipment demonstrations. Evening rodeo sessions at 7 PM showcase top-tier bull riding and barrel racing. Food vendors serve regional specialties including Indian tacos, huckleberry treats, and beef from Montana ranches. The fair provides unfiltered access to Montana's agricultural heritage that tourists rarely experience.
Magic City Blues Festival
Three-day outdoor music festival in downtown Billings featuring regional and national blues artists across multiple stages. Held in early August with free admission to street stages and ticketed premium seating areas. Food trucks and beer gardens operate throughout the venue. Evening performances run 6-11 PM when temperatures cool to comfortable 21-27°C (70-80°F). This draws 15,000-20,000 attendees and transforms downtown into a pedestrian music venue with local craft breweries and restaurants extending hours.