Things to Do in Billings in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Billings
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Comfortable autumn temperatures ranging 10-21°C (50-70°F) make this the sweet spot for outdoor activities - you can hike Zimmerman Trail or bike the Yellowstone River trails without the summer heat exhaustion or winter ice concerns
- Fall foliage peaks in early-to-mid October across the Rimrocks and surrounding areas, creating spectacular photography conditions and making scenic drives genuinely worth your time rather than just tourist marketing
- Shoulder season pricing kicks in after Labor Day crowds clear out - hotel rates typically drop 25-35% compared to summer peaks, and you'll actually get tables at popular downtown restaurants without advance reservations
- Harvest season brings legitimate farmers markets with Montana-grown produce, plus local breweries release their Oktoberfest and pumpkin ales - this is when the food scene actually reflects the region rather than serving generic tourist fare
Considerations
- Weather variability is real in October - you might get a 21°C (70°F) sunny day followed by a 4°C (40°F) morning with snow flurries, which means packing becomes a genuine puzzle and outdoor plans need flexibility built in
- Daylight shrinks noticeably through the month, from about 11.5 hours early October to 10 hours by month's end, so that evening hike you planned for 6pm might end in darkness if you're not paying attention to sunset times
- Some seasonal attractions start closing down - certain ranch tours, river outfitters, and outdoor venues shift to weekend-only schedules or close entirely after mid-October, so you'll need to confirm operating hours rather than just showing up
Best Activities in October
Rimrock Trail Hiking
October is genuinely the best month for hiking the network of trails along the 400-foot sandstone cliffs that ring Billings. The temperatures sit in that perfect 10-18°C (50-65°F) range where you're comfortable moving but not overheating, and the fall colors against the red rock create photo conditions you won't get any other time of year. The trails range from easy 1.6 km (1 mile) walks to more challenging 8 km (5 mile) routes with elevation gains around 120 m (400 ft). Early morning or late afternoon works best - midday can still hit 21°C (70°F) on warm days.
Yellowstone River Fly Fishing
October brings the fall brown trout spawn, which means larger fish moving into shallower water and more active feeding - this is what local anglers wait for all year. Water temperatures drop into the ideal 10-13°C (50-55°F) range, and the reduced summer crowds mean you're not fighting for access points. The Yellowstone River corridor through Billings offers wade fishing and float trips, with typical outings running 4-6 hours. Morning sessions from 8am-noon tend to be most productive as water temps rise slightly.
Pictograph Cave State Park Tours
This 3,000-year-old archaeological site featuring Native American rock art sits just 11 km (7 miles) south of Billings, and October weather makes the 800 m (0.5 mile) interpretive trail actually pleasant rather than the scorching experience of summer months. The three main caves - Pictograph, Middle, and Ghost - contain over 100 pictographs, and the lower angle of October sunlight creates better viewing conditions for the faded paintings. Plan 90 minutes to 2 hours for the full experience including the visitor center.
Downtown Brewery and Distillery Tours
Billings has developed a legitimate craft beverage scene with 8-10 breweries and several distilleries within the downtown core, and October is when they release seasonal offerings worth trying - Oktoberfests, pumpkin ales, and small-batch whiskeys. The compact downtown means you can walk between venues rather than driving, covering 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) total if you hit 4-5 spots. Most tasting rooms open at 3pm on weekdays, noon on weekends, and the scene picks up after 5pm when locals finish work.
ZooMontana Fall Programs
Montana's only zoo and botanical garden runs special October programming including Boo at the Zoo events and behind-the-scenes keeper talks. The 28-hectare (70-acre) facility focuses on Northern climate species - grizzly bears, wolves, red pandas, and Siberian tigers - which become noticeably more active in cooler October weather compared to lethargic summer behavior. The animals are preparing for winter, so feeding times and enrichment activities are particularly interesting. Plan 2-3 hours for a thorough visit.
Western Heritage Center and Moss Mansion Tours
When October weather turns wet or windy - which happens about 10 days per month - these two historic sites provide excellent indoor alternatives. The Western Heritage Center covers Yellowstone River Valley history through Native American artifacts and homesteading exhibits, while the Moss Mansion offers guided tours of a preserved 1903 sandstone mansion with original furnishings. Together they provide 3-4 hours of quality content about Montana's settlement period and architectural history. The mansion tours are particularly good - guides share genuine stories about the Moss family rather than just reciting dates.
October Events & Festivals
Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE)
This is the genuine article - a working livestock show and rodeo that's been running since 1916, not a tourist-oriented event. Two weeks of professional rodeo competitions, livestock judging, agricultural exhibits, and a trade show that actually matters to Montana ranchers. The rodeo performances are legitimately good - PRCA sanctioned with competitors working toward national standings. Beyond the arena events, the commercial exhibits provide interesting insight into modern ranching technology and Montana's agricultural economy. Evening rodeo sessions run 7:30pm and typically last 2-2.5 hours.
Magic City Blues Festival
Downtown Billings hosts this multi-venue blues festival featuring regional and national acts across 8-10 locations within walking distance. The festival has been running since 2009 and has built a reputation for quality bookings rather than just background music - past years have included Grammy-nominated artists. October timing means comfortable outdoor temperatures for the street performances and beer garden setups. Individual venue shows run 15-25 USD, or festival passes covering all venues go for 75-100 USD depending on single-day versus weekend access.