Things to Do in Billings in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Billings
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing on accommodations - you'll find hotel rates 20-30% lower than summer peak, with better availability at downtown properties near the Rims and Montana Avenue without needing to book months ahead
- Comfortable outdoor conditions for hiking the Rims trail system - daytime highs around 46°C (114°F) might sound warm, but the low humidity compared to summer makes early morning and late afternoon hikes genuinely pleasant, especially on the 400+ trails within 30 minutes of downtown
- Minimal crowds at Pictograph Cave State Park and Pompeys Pillar - November sees about 60% fewer visitors than July-August, meaning you can actually spend time examining the rock art without tour groups cycling through every 20 minutes
- Prime conditions for fly fishing the Yellowstone River - water temperatures stabilize in November, and while you'll need waders, the reduced boat traffic and autumn hatches make this one of the better months for experienced anglers willing to bundle up
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather swings - that 10 rainy days figure is deceptive because Billings in November can shift from 46°C (114°F) and sunny to near-freezing with snow in the same week, making packing genuinely challenging and requiring flexible daily plans
- Limited daylight hours for outdoor activities - sunset happens around 4:45pm by late November, which cuts into afternoon exploration time and means morning starts are essential if you want more than 4-5 hours of good hiking light
- Some seasonal closures begin - certain guest ranches and outdoor tour operations start winding down by mid-November, and while the major attractions stay open, you'll find reduced hours at places like ZooMontana and some brewery taprooms
Best Activities in November
Yellowstone River Float Trips
November offers surprisingly good conditions for guided float trips through the Yellowstone Valley corridor. The summer crowds are gone, water levels are stable, and you'll see migrating waterfowl staging along the river. Temperatures during midday floats stay comfortable in the 40s°C (upper 90s-low 100s°F), though you'll want layers for morning launches. The cottonwoods along the banks turn golden in early November, creating photo opportunities you won't get in summer.
Pictograph Cave State Park Guided Tours
The cave system is actually better in November than summer - lower visitor numbers mean you can spend real time with the 2,000-year-old rock art without feeling rushed, and the cooler temperatures make the 0.8 km (0.5 mile) trail loop comfortable any time of day. The interpretive programs run on reduced schedules but are more intimate with smaller groups. Worth noting that occasional November snow can temporarily close the trail, so check conditions the morning of your visit.
Brewery and Distillery Tasting Tours
Billings has developed a legitimate craft beverage scene with 8-10 breweries and several distilleries clustered downtown and in the Heights. November is ideal because the taprooms are warm gathering spots when afternoon temperatures drop, and you'll find seasonal releases like pumpkin ales and bourbon barrel-aged stouts. The walking distances between venues downtown range from 0.3-1.2 km (0.2-0.75 miles), making self-guided tours manageable even on cooler evenings.
Little Bighorn Battlefield Tours
The battlefield sits about 100 km (62 miles) southeast of Billings and sees minimal crowds in November. The cooler weather actually makes the experience more authentic - walking the 7.6 km (4.7 mile) battlefield road in summer heat is brutal, but November temperatures let you spend real time at the monument markers and Last Stand Hill without rushing back to air conditioning. The grasslands take on autumn colors, and you might catch early snow dusting the hills, which adds atmosphere.
Rimrock Trail Hiking
The sandstone cliffs ringing Billings offer 400+ hiking options ranging from easy 1.6 km (1 mile) loops to challenging 12 km (7.5 mile) ridge traverses. November is actually prime hiking season here - the rattlesnakes are dormant, the summer heat is gone, and the low-angle sun creates dramatic lighting on the rock formations. Four Dances Natural Area and Zimmerman Trail are particularly good for first-timers. That said, trails can ice over after the occasional November snowstorm, making traction devices necessary.
Western Heritage Center and Museum Visits
When November weather turns genuinely cold or snowy, Billings has several worthwhile indoor options. The Western Heritage Center downtown focuses on Yellowstone Valley history with rotating exhibits on Native American culture, homesteading, and regional art. The Yellowstone Art Museum has a solid permanent collection and typically features special exhibitions in November. Both are walkable from downtown hotels and make good afternoon backup plans when outdoor conditions deteriorate.
November Events & Festivals
Northern International Livestock Exposition
This is the real deal - a working livestock show and rodeo that draws ranchers and agricultural professionals from across the Northern Plains. Held at MetraPark, it features livestock judging, horse sales, and evening rodeo performances. For visitors, it offers an authentic glimpse into Montana's ranching economy without the tourist polish of summer rodeos. The trade show floor has Western gear vendors and you'll find genuine cowboy boots at better prices than retail.