Things to Do in Billings in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
January Weather in Billings
Is January Right for You?
Advantages
- Cold but clear mornings perfect for outdoor exploration - temperatures around 18°C (64°F) at dawn make early hikes and bike rides genuinely comfortable before the afternoon warmth sets in
- Minimal rainfall despite 10 rainy days listed - Billings January typically sees those brief passing clouds rather than actual precipitation, giving you reliable weather for planning day trips without the summer thunderstorm interruptions
- Low season pricing on accommodations and rentals - you'll find hotel rates 30-40% below summer peaks, and you can actually negotiate walk-in rates at mid-range places since occupancy runs around 60%
- Comfortable evening temperatures in the low 20s°C (low 70s°F) make downtown walkability ideal - the brewery district and restaurant patios are actually more pleasant now than during sweltering July evenings
Considerations
- Wide daily temperature swings of 17°C (32°F) mean awkward layering decisions - what works at 8am feels ridiculous by 2pm, and you'll be carrying a jacket around half the day
- Limited daylight hours with sunset around 5:15pm restrict your outdoor activity window - by the time you finish a late lunch, you've got maybe 3 hours of good light left for photography or trail time
- Occasional inversion layers trap cold air in the valley, creating stretches of grey, stagnant days where temperatures barely crack 10°C (50°F) and the usual mountain views disappear into haze
Best Activities in January
Pictograph Cave State Park exploration
January's cooler temperatures make the 0.8 km (0.5 mile) interpretive trail actually comfortable - summer heat reflecting off those sandstone cliffs can be brutal. The low-angle winter sun creates better lighting for photographing the 2,000-year-old rock art, and you'll likely have the caves to yourself on weekday mornings. The 70% humidity isn't a factor here since it's a short walk with minimal elevation gain of about 30 m (100 ft).
Yellowstone River trail systems
The paved and gravel trails along the Yellowstone offer 25+ km (15+ miles) of walking and cycling routes that are far more pleasant in January's variable weather than summer's 38°C (100°F) days. Morning frost usually clears by 10am, and the afternoon warmth up to 35°C (96°F) feels manageable near the water. Watch for ice patches in shaded sections early in the month.
Brewery and distillery tastings downtown
Billings has developed a legitimate craft beverage scene with 8-10 breweries and several distilleries within walking distance of each other. January's evening temperatures in the low 20s°C (low 70s°F) make the downtown crawl comfortable, and the lower tourist numbers mean you'll actually talk to the brewers rather than fighting summer crowds. Most places have outdoor seating that's usable on warmer afternoons.
Pompeys Pillar National Monument visits
Located 40 km (25 miles) east of Billings, this sandstone outcrop where William Clark carved his signature in 1806 is far more accessible in January than summer. The 1.6 km (1 mile) boardwalk trail to the summit gains about 46 m (150 ft) and offers expansive Yellowstone Valley views without the heat exhaustion risk. Winter visitation runs about 10% of summer numbers, so you'll experience the site in near-solitude.
Moss Mansion tours
This 1903 sandstone mansion offers the rare chance to see a completely original early-20th-century interior - we're talking original furnishings, fixtures, and even servant call buttons. January's indoor focus makes this more appealing than during summer when everyone wants to be outside. The 60-minute guided tours run regularly, and the building's heating system is itself a fascinating piece of history.
ZooMontana winter visits
Many people skip zoos in winter, but that's precisely when ZooMontana shines - the animals are more active in cooler weather, and the Siberian tigers, wolves, and other cold-adapted species are in their element. January temperatures in the 18-35°C (64-96°F) range mean comfortable walking through the 28-hectare (70-acre) grounds without the summer crowds or heat stress.
January Events & Festivals
Montana Winter Fair
This agricultural trade show and livestock exhibition typically runs in late January at MetraPark, drawing ranchers and farmers from across the region. It's not a tourist event per se, but if you want to understand Montana's working culture beyond the vacation-brochure version, the cattle judging, equipment displays, and 4-H competitions offer genuine insight. Plus the food vendors serve legitimately good ranch-style cooking.
First Friday Gallery Walks
Downtown galleries and art spaces coordinate monthly openings on the first Friday evening, with free admission, artist meet-and-greets, and usually wine or beer. January's version tends to be smaller and more intimate than summer editions - you'll actually have conversations rather than just shuffling through crowds. The Western art focus reflects the region's ranching heritage mixed with contemporary Montana artists.