Things to Do in Billings in July

July Weather in Billings

32°C (90°F) High Temp

16°C (61°F) Low Temp

2.5 cm (1.0 inch) Rainfall

35% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather for outdoor adventures - virtually no rain with only 6 rainy days and hot, sunny conditions ideal for hiking, biking, and river activities
Peak festival season - July brings the Montana Folk Festival, Last Chance Stampede, and numerous outdoor concerts taking advantage of the long daylight hours (sunrise 5:45am, sunset 9:15pm)
Yellowstone River conditions are optimal - water levels stabilize after spring runoff, making it perfect for floating, fishing, and water sports with temperatures reaching 18°C (65°F)
Farmers markets and local produce peak - July brings the best selection of Montana-grown vegetables, berries, and artisan goods at ZooMontana Farmers Market and downtown locations

Considerations

Extreme temperature swings require constant outfit adjustments - morning temps of 16°C (61°F) jump to afternoon highs of 32°C (90°F), meaning you'll need layers even on the hottest days
Accommodation prices surge 40-60% above shoulder season rates due to peak summer tourism and festival attendance
Intense UV exposure at 1,085m (3,560 ft) elevation with UV index of 9 creates serious sunburn risk within 15 minutes without protection

Best Activities in July

Yellowstone River Floating Adventures

July offers perfect river conditions with stabilized water levels post-runoff and warm 18°C (65°F) water temperatures. The 16-hour daylight allows for full-day floats from Billings to Huntley (19 km/12 miles). Hot afternoon temperatures make river activities essential for staying cool, while low rainfall (only 6 days) means reliable conditions.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead as peak season fills quickly. Half-day trips typically cost $65-90, full-day $120-160. Look for operators with shuttle service and cooler service. Early morning departures (8am) beat afternoon heat.

Pictograph Cave State Park Hiking

Early morning hikes (7-9am) are perfect before daily temperatures hit 32°C (90°F). The dry conditions mean excellent trail access and clear cave visibility. The 1.6 km (1 mile) interpretive trail showcases 2,000-year-old rock art best viewed in stable July weather with minimal precipitation risk.

Booking Tip: Self-guided visits cost $6/vehicle Montana residents, $8/non-residents. Guided archaeological tours available weekends for $15-20. Start before 9am or after 6pm to avoid peak heat. No advance booking needed for trails.

Downtown Billings Historic District Walking Tours

July's long daylight hours (15+ hours) create perfect conditions for evening historic walks after 7pm when temperatures drop to comfortable 24°C (75°F). The dry weather means consistent tour operations and excellent visibility for architecture photography. July coincides with historic district festivals and extended business hours.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking maps free from Visit Billings. Guided tours typically $12-18/person. Evening tours (7-8:30pm) most comfortable. Many restaurants extend patio hours in July for post-tour dining.

Pompeys Pillar National Monument Exploration

Hot, dry July weather provides optimal conditions for exploring this 30m (98 ft) sandstone butte 45 km (28 miles) east of Billings. Clear skies offer unobstructed Yellowstone Valley views, while stable weather ensures trail and monument access. The interpretive center provides air-conditioned relief during peak afternoon heat.

Booking Tip: Day use fee $7/vehicle, valid 7 days. Open 8am-8pm in July. Best visited early morning (8-10am) or evening (6-8pm). Combines well with Yellowstone River activities. No reservations needed for monument access.

Beartooth Highway Day Trips

July is the only reliable month for accessing the full Beartooth Highway to 3,337m (10,947 ft) elevation. Snow clears by early July, providing access to alpine lakes and mountain vistas impossible other months. The 109 km (68 mile) drive from Billings offers dramatic temperature relief, dropping to 10°C (50°F) at elevation.

Booking Tip: Full-day commitment (8-10 hours total). Gas up in Billings - limited services on route. Guided photography tours cost $200-300/person. Weather can change rapidly at elevation despite valley sunshine. Check road conditions at 406-446-7996.

Montana Night Sky Stargazing

July offers ideal stargazing conditions with only 6 rainy days, low humidity (35%), and clear skies. New moon periods provide optimal dark sky viewing just 30 minutes outside Billings. Warm evening temperatures 16-20°C (61-68°F) mean comfortable outdoor observation without heavy clothing.

Booking Tip: Guided astronomy tours typically $45-65/person. Peak viewing 10pm-2am when skies fully dark. Check lunar calendar - new moon periods best for Milky Way visibility. Many tours include telescope equipment and hot beverages.

July Events & Festivals

Mid July (typically second weekend)

Montana Folk Festival

Three-day celebration of traditional music, dance, and crafts held downtown in Depot Park. Features multiple stages, artisan demonstrations, and regional food vendors. Completely free admission with performances from 6pm-midnight taking advantage of July's long daylight.

Late July (typically last weekend)

Last Chance Stampede and Fair

Professional rodeo competition at MetraPark featuring bull riding, barrel racing, and traditional western events. Includes carnival rides, livestock exhibitions, and local vendor booths. Evening events capitalize on cooler July temperatures after 7pm.

Early July (typically first weekend)

Magic City Blues Festival

Outdoor blues and jazz performances in downtown venues and Veteran's Park. Local and regional musicians perform on multiple stages with food trucks and beer gardens. Events scheduled for evening hours to avoid afternoon heat.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 9 at 1,085m (3,560 ft) elevation, causing burns in under 15 minutes

Lightweight merino wool base layer - handles 16°C (61°F) morning temperatures and wicks moisture during 32°C (90°F) afternoons

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - essential for river activities and hiking in intense mountain sun

Insulated water bottle (1 liter minimum) - dehydration occurs rapidly in 35% humidity and high elevation

Packable down jacket - evening temperatures drop quickly after sunset, especially during mountain excursions

Quality sunglasses with UV protection - high elevation and reflective surfaces (water, rocks) intensify glare

Moisture-wicking synthetic pants - cotton becomes uncomfortable in temperature swings from 16-32°C (61-90°F)

Waterproof phone case - essential for river activities and afternoon thunderstorms in surrounding mountains

Portable phone charger - long daylight hours (15+ hours) drain batteries during extended outdoor activities

Cash in small bills - many farmers markets, festival vendors, and local attractions don't accept cards

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by May 1st - July festival season fills hotels early, and rates spike 40-60% after June 15th. Downtown properties near Depot Park book first due to walking access to events.

Start outdoor activities by 8am - afternoon temperatures exceed comfortable hiking/biking conditions by 11am. Locals schedule river activities and trail time before work hours during July heat.

ZooMontana Farmers Market (Saturday mornings) offers the year's peak produce selection in July, including Montana-grown huckleberries, Flathead cherries, and artisan goods unavailable other months.

Evening dining patios become the social center of Billings in July - restaurants extend hours and most locals eat outside after 7pm when temperatures drop to comfortable 24°C (75°F). Reservations essential for weekend patio seating.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature swings - many visitors pack only for hot weather and freeze during 16°C (61°F) mornings or evening mountain trips, requiring emergency clothing purchases

Scheduling outdoor activities during midday heat - attempting hiking or sightseeing between 11am-5pm results in heat exhaustion and missed photo opportunities due to harsh lighting

Ignoring elevation effects - visitors from sea level underestimate dehydration, sun exposure, and alcohol sensitivity at 1,085m (3,560 ft), leading to headaches and fatigue