Things to Do in Billings in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Billings
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Exceptional outdoor weather windows - December mornings in Billings typically deliver crisp, clear conditions from sunrise until about 11am, perfect for hiking the Rims or cycling the riverfront trails before the afternoon warmth sets in
- Downtown holiday atmosphere without coastal tourist crowds - While beach destinations pack out in December, Billings maintains its authentic rhythm. You'll actually get tables at popular breweries and won't wait in lines at ZooMontana's WinterFest events
- Unpredictable but manageable precipitation - Those 10 rainy days sound intimidating, but here's what locals know: December in Billings means quick weather changes. You might get a morning drizzle that clears by noon, or a sunny start that clouds over by 3pm. The variability actually works in your favor because you can plan outdoor activities for the clearer windows
- Shoulder season pricing with full amenities - Hotels drop rates 20-30% compared to summer peaks, yet everything stays open. The Pub Station, Western Heritage Center, Yellowstone Art Museum all maintain full hours, and you're getting the same experience for significantly less money
Considerations
- Temperature swings require layered packing strategy - That 16°C (29°F) daily range means what feels comfortable at 8am will have you peeling off layers by 2pm. You can't just pack one type of clothing and call it done
- Limited daylight for outdoor activities - Sunset hits around 4:45pm in early December, pushing back to about 5:15pm by month's end. If you're planning Pictograph Cave visits or Swords Park hikes, you're working with roughly 9 hours of usable daylight, which compresses your daily itinerary
- Weather unpredictability complicates day trip planning - That variable conditions descriptor isn't just meteorological jargon. December in Billings can shift from sunny to overcast to light rain within a few hours. Day trips to Pompeys Pillar or Red Lodge require flexible backup plans
Best Activities in December
Rimrock Trail Hiking and Geological Exploration
December mornings offer the best conditions all year for hiking the sandstone bluffs ringing Billings. The 70% humidity sounds high, but it's actually comfortable in the cooler morning temps - you're not dealing with the oppressive moisture of summer. Start at Zimmerman Trail or Four Dances Natural Area by 7:30am when temps hover around 19-21°C (66-70°F). The low-angle winter sun creates spectacular lighting on the rimrock formations, and you'll have trails mostly to yourself. Most routes run 3-8 km (1.9-5 miles) with elevation gains of 60-150 m (200-500 ft). The variable weather actually works here because clouds add drama to the sandstone colors.
Brewery and Distillery Trail Tours
Billings has developed a legitimate craft beverage scene over the past five years, and December is actually ideal for sampling it. When afternoon temperatures climb or weather turns, the tasting room circuit makes perfect sense. Downtown concentration means you can walk between venues - Angry Hank's, Überbrew, Carter's Brewing, and Montana Brewing Company sit within 1.6 km (1 mile) of each other. Most offer food or allow food trucks, solving lunch and dinner simultaneously. The holiday season brings limited release winter ales and barrel-aged specials you won't find in summer.
Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Expeditions
December fly fishing in Montana requires the right expectations, but guides who know the Yellowstone River below Billings work year-round for good reason. Water temps stay fishable, and you're targeting trout in slower pools and eddies rather than summer's fast runs. The experience is meditative rather than action-packed - you might land 4-8 fish in a half-day versus summer's 15-20, but you'll have the river completely to yourself. Midday sessions from 11am-3pm offer the warmest air temps and best insect activity. The variable December weather means some days fish better than others, but that's fly fishing anywhere.
Pictograph Cave State Park Archaeological Tours
The cave complex sits just 11 km (6.8 miles) south of downtown and December offers advantages summer visitors miss. Cooler temps make the 800 m (0.5 mile) interpretive trail genuinely pleasant - you're not baking in exposed sun. More importantly, the lower-angle December sunlight actually illuminates the pictographs differently than harsh summer overhead sun, bringing out details in the 2,000+ year-old rock art. The site closes at 5pm, so arrive by 2:30pm latest to allow 2-2.5 hours for the full experience including the visitor center. On those variable weather days, this makes an excellent Plan B since the caves provide some shelter.
Western Heritage Center Cultural Deep Dives
When December weather turns genuinely uncooperative, this downtown museum delivers exactly what you want - climate-controlled exploration of Yellowstone Valley history spanning 10,000 years. The permanent collection covers Northern Plains Indigenous cultures, homesteading era, railroad development, and contemporary Montana life with actual depth rather than tourist-level skimming. Rotating exhibits change quarterly, and December often features holiday-themed historical displays. Plan 2-3 hours minimum if you actually read the exhibits rather than just walking past. The museum cafe serves decent lunch options, making this a solid half-day indoor anchor.
ZooMontana Winter Wildlife Observation
December transforms the zoo experience in ways that actually improve it. Cold-climate species like Siberian tigers, wolves, and river otters become noticeably more active in cooler temps compared to sluggish summer behavior. The 28-hectare (70-acre) facility feels more spacious with smaller December crowds, and you can actually spend time at exhibits without jostling for position. WinterFest events run weekends in December with holiday lights and special programming. Morning visits from 9-11am catch animals at peak activity before afternoon warming. The indoor Discovery Center provides warm-up space when needed.
December Events & Festivals
Downtown Billings Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
First weekend of December brings the annual parade down Montana Avenue followed by tree lighting in front of the historic courthouse. This is genuinely a community event rather than tourist spectacle - high school marching bands, local business floats, actual neighborhood participation. The tree lighting ceremony includes hot chocolate stations and caroling. Temps at evening parade time typically run 10-15°C (50-59°F), so dress in layers. Worth experiencing if you want authentic small-city Montana rather than manufactured charm.
Alberta Bair Theater Holiday Performance Series
The restored 1931 theater runs its annual holiday programming throughout December - typically includes The Nutcracker by Montana Ballet Company, holiday concerts by Billings Symphony, and touring shows. The venue itself justifies attendance even if you're ambivalent about the performance - original art deco details, excellent acoustics, proper theater atmosphere. Shows provide perfect evening programming after outdoor daytime activities, and the downtown location puts you steps from dinner options.