What should you know about Missoula's weather?
- NWS office
- Missoula (MSO)
- Climate
- Warm-summer humid continental
- Time zone
- MST/MDT
- Elevation
- 3,198 ft
- Coordinates
- 46.87° N, 114.00° W
- Nearest radar
- KMSX · Missoula NEXRAD · 12 mi
- County
- Missoula County, MT
- Yearly rain
- 14.1 in
- Warmest month
- July · 68.4°F average
- Coldest month
- December · 24.4°F average
- Severe storm peak
- Jun to Aug
How much rain does Missoula get each month?
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 31.6 | 37.0 | 47.9 | 56.1 | 66.2 | 73.2 | 85.4 | 84.3 | 72.6 | 55.7 | 39.9 | 30.9 |
| Low °F | 18.0 | 20.9 | 26.8 | 32.3 | 39.8 | 46.3 | 51.5 | 50.1 | 42.4 | 32.4 | 24.6 | 17.8 |
| Rain (in) | 0.96 | 0.88 | 0.92 | 1.36 | 1.77 | 2.14 | 0.85 | 0.83 | 0.96 | 1.18 | 1.18 | 1.08 |
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31.6 | 18.0 | 0.96 |
| Feb | 37.0 | 20.9 | 0.88 |
| Mar | 47.9 | 26.8 | 0.92 |
| Apr | 56.1 | 32.3 | 1.36 |
| May | 66.2 | 39.8 | 1.77 |
| Jun | 73.2 | 46.3 | 2.14 |
| Jul | 85.4 | 51.5 | 0.85 |
| Aug | 84.3 | 50.1 | 0.83 |
| Sep | 72.6 | 42.4 | 0.96 |
| Oct | 55.7 | 32.4 | 1.18 |
| Nov | 39.9 | 24.6 | 1.18 |
| Dec | 30.9 | 17.8 | 1.08 |
MISSOULA INTL AP, MT US · 6 mi away · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020
How should I use Missoula weather radar when light snow seems absent?
Compare the loop with surface observations and the forecast, because radar can miss shallow precipitation in mountain valleys. A National Weather Service technical review explains that mountaintop radars can look above valley precipitation even on their lowest scan. It also finds that this overshooting problem is more pronounced in the cool season. If snow is reaching your windshield, an empty patch on the map is not evidence that your route is dry.
Why should Orchard Homes residents check the river forecast separately?
The Clark Fork can threaten Orchard Homes even when the precipitation map does not show rain directly overhead. The official river forecast service identifies Tower Street and Kehrwald Drive among the streets that can flood as water rises. Radar cannot show river stage, and the effect of earlier rain or snowmelt can persist beyond a passing shower. Use the river forecast and local flood instructions to assess access to low-lying streets.
What can a summer thunderstorm line do to the city?
A thunderstorm line can cause widespread wind damage across Missoula rather than just a brief shower. Montana’s disaster request describes a line moving from north-central Idaho into western Missoula County before damaging the city. Damage included uprooted trees and downed power lines. Follow the whole approaching line on the loop and move indoors before gusts arrive instead of judging the threat only by the rain at home.
Why can northwest flow be important for local snowfall?
Northwest flow can lift air gradually up the valley toward Missoula and help produce snow. A National Weather Service study identifies the alignment of the Clark Fork River Valley as the reason for that upslope direction. The same study notes that the Bitterroot Range lies to the west and southwest and intercepts much of the moisture in passing weather systems. Use the forecast for your destination rather than a citywide color alone.
When should you check the Missoula radar?
Summer thunderstorm peak
June to AugustBefore a game at Fort Missoula Regional Park, watch for a developing line or cluster of echoes approaching the playing fields. Plan an indoor break when thunder is heard instead of waiting for the rain core.
Spring burning season
March to MayThe regional fire-weather plan identifies this as a spring burning window, so a dry radar does not settle air-quality questions before a visit to Greenough Park. Check smoke conditions as well as approaching showers when planning time outdoors.
What else do people ask about the Missoula radar?
Which NWS office and radar cover Missoula?
NWS Missoula (MSO) issues forecasts and warnings for Missoula. The nearest NEXRAD radar is KMSX, about 12 miles from the city center.
How often does the radar on this page update?
The radar loop on this page updates every 5 minutes.
Is this page an official warning service?
No. It shows radar and forecasts only. For warnings, follow NWS Missoula and local emergency alerts.
Quick facts
- Radar: KMSX (Missoula NEXRAD), a new frame every 5 minutes
- Forecasts and warnings: NWS Missoula (MSO)
- Severe storms peak from June to August (NOAA Storm Events, 1996 to 2025)
- Local time: MST/MDT
- Radar: KMSX, a new frame every 5 minutes
- Warnings: NWS Missoula (MSO)
- Severe storms: June to August
- Local time: MST/MDT
Where does this data come from?
- NOAA NEXRAD radar via Iowa Environmental Mesonet
- National Weather Service, Missoula office
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020: MISSOULA INTL AP, MT US
- NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, 1996 to 2025
- USGS Elevation Point Query Service
- GOES-East satellite imagery
- Open-Meteo forecast API
- OpenStreetMap contributors
- National Weather Service: Radar precipitation estimation limits
- NOAA National Water Prediction Service: Clark Fork above Missoula
- State of Montana: July 2024 windstorm disaster request
- National Weather Service: Forecasting heavy snow in Missoula
- National Weather Service: Northern Rockies fire weather operating plan
- Missoula County: Fort Missoula Regional Park
- City of Missoula: Park locations and event guidance