Things to Do in Billings in October

October Weather in Billings

59°C (137°F) High Temp

37°C (98°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Prime outdoor weather with comfortable daytime temperatures averaging 15°C (59°F) - perfect for hiking the Rimrocks without summer's 38°C (100°F) heat
Peak fall foliage season transforms the Yellowstone River Valley into brilliant gold and red displays, typically peaking October 10-20
Shoulder season pricing drops accommodation costs 30-40% compared to summer peak rates, with fewer crowds at Pictograph Cave and ZooMontana
Hunting season brings authentic local culture experiences - pheasant and deer hunting tours available, plus wild game appears on restaurant menus citywide

Considerations

Highly variable weather swings from 21°C (70°F) to sudden snow storms within 24 hours - pack for all seasons
Daylight shrinks rapidly from 11.5 to 10 hours during October, limiting outdoor photography time and evening activities
Many seasonal attractions like riverside camping and water activities wind down after mid-October due to dropping temperatures

Best Activities in October

Pictograph Cave State Park Archaeological Tours

October's cooler temperatures make the 1.6 km (1-mile) trail to prehistoric cave paintings comfortable after summer's brutal heat. Clear autumn air provides excellent photography conditions, and reduced humidity prevents lens fogging. Rangers offer guided interpretation tours focusing on 2,100-year-old rock art.

Booking Tip: State park entry costs $5/vehicle. Best visited 10am-2pm when lighting illuminates cave paintings. No advance booking needed for self-guided trails, but call ahead for ranger programs. Current tour schedules available in booking section below.

Yellowstone River Float Fishing

October marks prime brown trout spawning season on the Yellowstone River. Cooler water temperatures around 10°C (50°F) create ideal fishing conditions, with trout more active than in summer heat. Fall insect hatches provide excellent dry fly fishing opportunities.

Booking Tip: Half-day guided float trips typically cost $400-600 for two people. Book 7-10 days ahead with licensed outfitters. Water levels stable after summer runoff. Equipment and licenses usually included in guided packages.

Rimrock Drive Scenic Tours

October offers spectacular views from the 122 m (400 ft) sandstone cliffs surrounding Billings. Fall colors peak in mid-October, creating dramatic photo opportunities. Clear autumn air provides visibility up to 160 km (100 miles) to the Beartooth Mountains.

Booking Tip: Self-drive scenic route is free. Allow 2-3 hours for complete loop with stops. Several pullouts offer hiking trails ranging 0.8-3.2 km (0.5-2 miles). Best lighting occurs 9am-11am and 4pm-6pm for photography.

Little Bighorn Battlefield Historic Tours

Cooler October temperatures make the exposed battlefield comfortable for walking tours. Autumn grasslands mirror historical conditions when Custer's battle occurred. Interpretive programs focus on Native American perspectives, enhanced by seasonal cultural demonstrations.

Booking Tip: Located 105 km (65 miles) southeast of Billings, allow full day trip. Entry fees $15/person. Guided battlefield walks available 10am-3pm daily. Audio tours available for self-paced exploration.

Beartooth Highway Day Trips

October represents the final weeks before winter closure of America's most beautiful drive. Fall aspen displays create golden corridors at lower elevations, while early snow dusts peaks above 3,048 m (10,000 ft). Crystal-clear mountain air provides stunning alpine photography.

Booking Tip: Highway typically closes by late October due to snow. Check road conditions daily. Full trip to Red Lodge requires 6-8 hours. Gas up in Billings - limited services along route. Best weather window usually 10am-4pm.

ZooMontana Wildlife Experiences

October's cooler weather activates animals that hide during summer heat. Black bears and mountain lions show increased activity preparing for winter. Special 'Boo at the Zoo' Halloween programming throughout October combines education with family entertainment.

Booking Tip: Admission $12 adults, $8 children. Halloween events require separate tickets $15-20, book 2 weeks ahead. Zoo closes at 4pm in October due to shorter daylight. Behind-scenes animal encounters available weekends.

October Events & Festivals

Mid October

Northern International Livestock Exposition

Montana's largest livestock show brings authentic ranching culture to MetraPark. Features rodeo competitions, livestock judging, and agricultural exhibits showcasing regional farming traditions.

Late October weekends

Boo at the Zoo Halloween Celebration

ZooMontana transforms into family-friendly Halloween experience with costumed characters, pumpkin carving, and nocturnal animal presentations highlighting creatures active during autumn months.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - temperatures swing 20°C (36°F) daily, pack base layer, fleece, and waterproof shell

Insulated hiking boots for unpredictable terrain - trails may have frost in morning, mud by afternoon

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 at 945 m (3,100 ft) elevation, intensified by snow reflection on mountain trips

Waterproof daypack cover - October brings 10 rainy days averaging 30-minute duration each

Warm hat and gloves for early morning activities - temperatures drop to 37°C (98°F) overnight

Quality camera with extra batteries - cold weather drains power 40% faster than summer conditions

Merino wool socks prevent moisture buildup during variable temperature hiking conditions

Lightweight down jacket compresses small but handles sudden temperature drops common in October

Polarized sunglasses essential for mountain driving - autumn sun creates intense glare on wet roads

Emergency car kit with blanket and water - mountain weather changes rapidly, cell coverage spotty

Insider Knowledge

Local hunters flood restaurants in October - try wild game specials like elk medallions and pheasant at downtown establishments, but make dinner reservations 2-3 days ahead

October marks peak season for Native American cultural events on nearby reservations - Little Bighorn College often hosts public programs combining history with contemporary perspectives

Locals know Rimrock Drive's best photography spots: Swords Park for sunrise city views, and Black Otter Trail for sunset shots over the Yellowstone Valley

Montana's 'Indian Summer' phenomenon can bring surprise 24°C (75°F) days in late October - locals call these 'hunting weather' and they're perfect for spontaneous outdoor activities

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating weather variability - tourists pack only for average temperatures and get caught in sudden snowstorms or heat waves

Planning full-day mountain trips without checking road closure updates - Beartooth Highway can close overnight due to snow

Booking accommodations in downtown only - best value lodging sits along I-90 corridor with easier access to outdoor attractions and lower rates