Montana in April – Things To Do, Weather, Travel & Events
By Will Beck DISCOVERING MONTANA
In April, Montana begins to transition into spring. The landscape becomes greener and baby animals are born in Yellowstone. The Glacier National Park perimeter thaws, making roads and trails more accessible. Lodgings within the park are closed, but options are available outside. Ski resorts prepare for summer offerings, and Red Lodge is a great spot for a final ski weekend. Weather in April can vary, so plan for both chilly and balmy days.
Montana is a great destination to explore in April, with plenty of events and activities to enjoy. Here are some highlights of what you can expect:
Travel to Montana in April:
- The interstates are open, but smaller highways may still be closed
- The west entrance to Yellowstone usually opens in the middle of the month, allowing more access to the park
- Flights are a bit expensive, but taking the Empire Builder train to Glacier National Park can be a great alternative
Events in Montana in April:
- Whitefish Pond Skim: a juried showcase of costumed participants attempting to skim across a man-made pond while avoiding inflatable booby traps
- Taste of Bigfork: a food and wine festival where a single ticket entitles you to sample food and wine at several downtown restaurants
- Kyiyo Pow Wow: a Native American student association hosts a pow wow featuring singing, dancing, storytelling, and dance competitions
- International Wildlife Film Festival: a juried festival that hosts films from all over the world about wildlife
Things to do in Montana in April:
- Farmers' markets and street fairs begin to reopen in Montana's cities, along with food trucks and buskers
- Missoula offers a self-guided tour of historical architecture, along with brewpubs, distilleries, and cider companies to visit
- April is the prime fly fishing season, particularly in Glacier County
Planning your trip to Montana in April:
- Be prepared for unpredictable weather, with temperatures still potentially chilly
- Glacier National Park is a great destination, with some areas starting to thaw in April
- Missoula is a great city to visit in April, with good weather and fewer tourists
- Check local snow reports if planning to ski, as some resorts may be slowing down for the year
April is a great time to visit Missoula in Western Montana with fewer tourists and good weather. Check local snow reports if planning to ski as some resorts may be slowing down. It's also an ideal time for fly fishing which is a significant part of Montana's culture. A city break in Missoula would be perfect during this time.
