Things to Do in Billings in January

January Weather in Billings

35°C (96°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect outdoor weather - Dry season with minimal precipitation means hiking and cycling conditions are ideal. Trails in the Rimrocks stay accessible unlike muddy spring months.
Clear visibility for photography - Low humidity and crisp air provide exceptional views of the Yellowstone Valley. The Rimrocks offer 80+ km (50+ mile) visibility on typical January days.
Lower accommodation rates - January is 25-35% cheaper than summer peak season. Downtown hotels typically run $65-85/night versus $120-160 in July.
Authentic local experience - Tourist crowds drop by 70% from summer levels. You'll interact more with actual Billings residents and experience the city as locals do.

Considerations

Limited daylight hours - Sunrise around 7:45am, sunset by 5:15pm gives only 9.5 hours of daylight for outdoor activities. Plan indoor backup activities for evenings.
Variable weather swings - Temperature can fluctuate 17°C (30°F) in 24 hours due to Chinook winds. Pack layers as morning may be 18°C (64°F) and afternoon 35°C (96°F).
Some seasonal closures - Several hiking trails in the Beartooth Mountains remain inaccessible. Lake activities are limited due to ice conditions on area reservoirs.

Best Activities in January

Rimrocks Trail System Hiking

January's dry conditions make the sandstone cliff trails perfect for hiking with stable footing and clear valley views. Morning temperatures of 18°C (64°F) are ideal for strenuous climbs, warming to comfortable 35°C (96°F) by afternoon. The 8 km (5 mile) Airport Rim Trail offers panoramic views without summer's oppressive heat.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for self-guided trails. Guided geology tours typically cost $45-65 per person and run weekends only in January. Check current weather 24 hours ahead due to rapid temperature changes. Reference booking widget for current guided tour options.

Historic Downtown Walking Tours

January's mild afternoons (averaging 27°C/80°F) are perfect for exploring Billings' historic district without summer's extreme heat. The 2.5 km (1.5 mile) self-guided historic trail takes 90 minutes and includes the Historic Depot and Western Heritage Center. Morning hours avoid afternoon warmth.

Booking Tip: Self-guided maps available free at Visitor Center. Guided historical tours cost $25-40 per person, offered Saturdays only in winter. Book 3-5 days ahead as group sizes are smaller. See current tour schedules in booking section below.

Yellowstone River Valley Photography

January's low humidity and clear skies create exceptional photography conditions along the Yellowstone River. Golden hour lighting lasts longer due to low sun angles, and frost creates unique landscape textures. The 15 km (9.3 mile) River Park Trail system offers varied compositions.

Booking Tip: Photography workshops typically cost $80-120 per session and focus on winter landscape techniques. Book 1-2 weeks ahead as classes are limited to 6-8 participants. Equipment rental available through local camera shops for $30-50 per day.

Museum and Cultural Center Tours

January's variable weather makes indoor cultural activities essential backup plans. The Western Heritage Center and Moss Mansion offer heated environments during temperature swings. Extended winter hours (10am-5pm) accommodate shorter daylight periods.

Booking Tip: Museum admission ranges $8-15 per adult. Moss Mansion guided tours cost $12-18 and run every 2 hours. Special January exhibits often focus on regional winter history. Book mansion tours 2-3 days ahead as they're limited to 12 people per tour.

Regional Brewery and Distillery Experiences

January's cooler mornings make afternoon brewery tours comfortable, and local establishments offer 'winter warmers' seasonal selections. The downtown brewery district has 6 establishments within walking distance. Indoor tastings provide refuge during evening temperature drops.

Booking Tip: Brewery tours typically cost $15-25 including tastings. Distillery tours range $20-35 per person. Weekend tours fill quickly - book 5-7 days ahead. Most offer 2-3 tour times daily between 1pm-6pm to accommodate shorter daylight hours.

ZooMontana Winter Programs

January's mild temperatures make animal viewing comfortable, and many species are more active in cooler weather. The 70-acre facility offers both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Educational programs focus on regional wildlife adaptation to seasonal changes.

Booking Tip: Admission costs $9-12 for adults. Special winter animal encounters cost additional $15-25 per person. Behind-the-scenes tours available weekends only, $35-45 per person. Book animal encounters 4-7 days ahead as they're limited to small groups.

January Events & Festivals

Late January

Winter Wine Walk

Downtown Billings' annual wine tasting event featuring regional wineries and local restaurants. Participants receive a commemorative glass and sample wines at 8-10 venues along a 1.2 km (0.75 mile) route through the historic district.

Mid to Late January

Stock Show and Rodeo

MetraPark hosts this regional rodeo and agricultural exhibition featuring bull riding, barrel racing, and livestock competitions. Indoor arena events provide entertainment during variable January weather. Local food vendors showcase Montana specialties.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - Base layer, insulating layer, outer shell for 17°C (30°F) daily temperature swings. Merino wool base layers regulate temperature better than cotton in 70% humidity.

Sun protection - SPF 50+ sunscreen and quality sunglasses essential with UV index of 8. High altitude (1,040m/3,412ft) intensifies UV exposure even in winter.

Comfortable walking shoes - Hiking boots with good grip for Rimrocks trails. Dry conditions mean lightweight hikers sufficient, avoid heavy winter boots.

Light jacket or windbreaker - For morning temperatures around 18°C (64°F) and protection from occasional Chinook winds that can gust 40-60 mph.

Camera equipment - Extra batteries (cold drains them faster) and lens cleaning cloths for dust. Clear air provides exceptional photo opportunities.

Water bottle - Dry conditions and higher altitude increase dehydration risk. Local tap water is excellent quality throughout Billings.

Casual layers for indoor venues - Museums, breweries, and restaurants maintain 21-24°C (70-75°F) temperatures. Avoid heavy sweaters that become uncomfortable indoors.

Light rain jacket - While rainfall is minimal, occasional winter storms can bring brief precipitation. Packable jacket sufficient for 20-30 minute showers.

Moisturizer and lip balm - Low humidity and higher altitude cause skin dryness. Essential for outdoor activities lasting more than 2-3 hours.

Warm evening layers - After 5:15pm sunset, temperatures can drop quickly. Fleece or light wool sweater needed for evening activities.

Insider Knowledge

Chinook winds create dramatic temperature changes - locals call them 'snow eaters.' When forecasted, plan flexible indoor/outdoor schedules as conditions can shift from 18°C to 35°C (64°F to 96°F) within hours.

Free parking downtown after 5pm and all day Sunday - locals know this saves $3-5 per visit to downtown attractions. Most restaurants validate parking during lunch hours.

Locals shop farmers' markets for winter root vegetables and preserved goods - the monthly winter market offers unique Montana products tourists typically miss. Held first Saturday of each month at the Depot.

Best photo conditions occur 30 minutes after sunrise when frost creates textures on vegetation along the Yellowstone River. Locals call this 'hoar frost season' and it's spectacular for landscape photography.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for morning activities then overheating by afternoon - the 17°C (30°F) daily temperature swing catches visitors off-guard. Always pack removable layers rather than single heavy items.

Planning only outdoor activities without indoor backup options - January weather can change rapidly with Chinook winds. Book at least 2-3 indoor attractions in advance for flexibility.

Underestimating UV exposure at 1,040m (3,412ft) elevation - many visitors get sunburned despite cooler temperatures. The thin atmosphere and reflective snow increase UV intensity even in winter.