Things to Do in Billings in September

September Weather in Billings

74°C (165°F) High Temp

48°C (119°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather for outdoor adventures - daytime temps of 24-29°C (75-84°F) ideal for hiking the Rimrocks without summer's scorching 38°C (100°F) heat
Prime hunting season begins - archery elk and deer seasons open mid-September, plus guided hunting tours are 30% cheaper than peak October rates
Harvest season means local farmers markets overflow with fresh produce, and craft breweries release seasonal pumpkin ales before tourist crowds arrive
Last chance for comfortable camping at Bighorn Canyon - nights cool to 7°C (45°F) perfect for sleeping, but water temps still warm enough for swimming at 18°C (65°F)

Considerations

Weather becomes increasingly unpredictable - can swing from 29°C (85°F) sunny mornings to 4°C (40°F) with snow flurries by evening, requiring multiple clothing layers
Tourist services start reducing hours - some Beartooth Highway attractions close after Labor Day, and several guest ranches end their season mid-September
Afternoon thunderstorms arrive with little warning - 10 rainy days typical for September with sudden downpours that can flash-flood hiking trails

Best Activities in September

Beartooth Highway Scenic Drives

September offers the last reliable window to drive the full Beartooth Highway before winter closures. Aspen trees turn golden at higher elevations, and you'll avoid July's RV traffic jams. Morning drives (8-10am) provide clearest mountain views before afternoon clouds roll in. The highway typically closes by mid-October, making September your final chance until June.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for self-driving, but guided photography tours fill up 2-3 weeks ahead. Tours typically cost $180-250 per person for full-day excursions. Check road conditions daily at MDT website - weather can close sections with 2-4 hours notice.

Yellowstone River Fly Fishing

September brings the best dry fly fishing of the year as grasshopper patterns work magic during warm afternoons. Water temperatures drop from summer's stressful 21°C (70°F) to fish-friendly 16°C (60°F), and crowds thin dramatically after Labor Day. Browns and rainbows feed aggressively before winter, making this prime time for trophy fish.

Booking Tip: Book guided trips 10-14 days ahead through licensed outfitters. Half-day trips typically run $350-450, full-day $550-650. All gear included but bring polarized sunglasses. See current availability in booking section below.

Pompeys Pillar Heritage Site Tours

September's moderate temperatures make the 30-minute hike to William Clark's signature comfortable without summer's blazing heat. The visitor center offers ranger-led programs on weekends, and September sees fewer school groups than earlier months. Clear September skies provide excellent views across the Yellowstone Valley that Clark described in 1806.

Booking Tip: Site entry is $7 per vehicle, no advance reservations needed. Guided programs typically run $15-25 per person on weekends. Check National Park Service calendar for special September programming celebrating Lewis & Clark history.

Pictograph Cave State Park Hiking

Cool September mornings (15-18°C/59-64°F) make the 0.8 km (0.5 mile) interpretive trail perfect for families. The cave pictographs are best viewed in September's angled sunlight, and you'll avoid summer's heat-stressed crowds. Archaeological programs resume in September after summer break, offering insights into 2,100 years of Native American history.

Booking Tip: Park entry costs $6 per vehicle. Guided archaeological tours typically cost $12-18 per person and run weekends through September. Book tours 1 week ahead as group size limited to 15 people. See current tour schedules in booking section below.

Downtown Billings Brewery Trail

September marks harvest season for local hops, and breweries release fresh-hop IPAs available only during this 6-week window. Comfortable walking weather between venues, plus September sees return of indoor live music after summer's outdoor focus. Five breweries within 1.6 km (1 mile) of downtown make easy walking tours.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours free, just buy drinks at each stop ($5-8 per pint). Organized brewery tours typically cost $45-65 per person including tastings and food pairings. Weekend tours book up 1-2 weeks ahead during harvest season.

Chief Black Otter Trail System

September offers ideal hiking conditions before snow hits higher elevations. The 27 km (17 miles) of interconnected trails provide everything from easy 1.6 km (1 mile) family walks to challenging 8 km (5 mile) ridge hikes. Aspens begin changing color mid-September, and wildlife activity increases as animals prepare for winter.

Booking Tip: Trails are free and open year-round. Guided nature walks typically cost $20-35 per person and run Saturday mornings. Bring layers - trailhead starts at 950m (3,117 ft) but climbs to 1,200m (3,937 ft) where temps drop significantly.

September Events & Festivals

Early to mid September

Harvest Festival at Yellowstone Valley Farmers Market

Local producers showcase autumn harvests with pumpkin displays, fresh pressed cider, and craft demonstrations. Live music features regional bluegrass and folk acts, plus cooking demonstrations using seasonal ingredients. Market operates every Saturday with extended hours during harvest season.

Early September

MontanaFair Plus

Though primarily in August, the fair extends into early September with reduced admission prices. Features livestock competitions, carnival rides, and local food vendors. September dates typically focus on agricultural exhibits and 4-H presentations, offering more authentic rural Montana culture with smaller crowds.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - start with moisture-wicking base layer, add fleece mid-layer, top with windproof shell as temps swing 25°C (45°F) in single day

Waterproof hiking boots - sudden afternoon storms create muddy trails, plus morning dew soaks grass until 10am

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 at 914m (3,000 ft) elevation burns skin faster than expected, especially with reflective surfaces

Insulated water bottle - keeps drinks cool during 29°C (84°F) afternoons, prevents freezing during 4°C (39°F) nights

Packable down jacket - evenings drop quickly after sunset around 7:30pm, and restaurant patios get chilly

Wide-brimmed hat - protects from intense high-altitude sun during day, wool beanie for surprisingly cold evenings

Quality rain jacket - not just light shell, but full waterproof protection for sudden 20-minute downpours

Merino wool socks - temperature regulation crucial when hiking from 7°C (45°F) mornings to 24°C (75°F) afternoons

Portable phone charger - cold temperatures drain batteries faster, and you'll use GPS extensively in remote areas

Cash for farmers markets and small venues - many local businesses still don't accept cards, especially at weekend events

Insider Knowledge

Download offline maps before heading to Beartooth Highway - cell service drops completely for 48 km (30 miles), and GPS becomes unreliable above 2,743m (9,000 ft)

Visit breweries Tuesday-Thursday for better service and fresher taps - weekends get crowded with Yellowstone overflow traffic passing through town

Book accommodations on south side of town near airport - quieter than downtown train noise, and 10 minutes closer to Beartooth access roads

Pack tire chains even for day trips - September snow can hit without warning above 2,134m (7,000 ft), and rental agencies often don't provide them

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating weather changes - tourists dress for afternoon warmth then get caught in 4°C (40°F) evening temperatures without warm layers

Assuming Yellowstone proximity means easy access - northern Yellowstone entrances are 1.5-2 hours drive with no services, and September weather can delay travel significantly

Booking only downtown hotels - rates increase 40% due to convention season, while equally nice accommodations cost half as much 3.2 km (2 miles) from city center