About Helena

Mount Helena after a winter sunset

Helena is more than just Montana’s capital city; it’s a place where history, nature, and community intertwine to create a truly unique and enriching experience. Helena is a city of approximately 35,000 residents, however it isn’t just a dot on the map; it’s a living, breathing tapestry of history and natural beauty. Nestled in the foothills along the Continental Divide, it offers a unique blend of small-town charm with a few amenities you might not expect to find.

Here’s a quick overview:

  • Location: Situated along the eastern edge of the Montana Rockies about 4,100 feet (1,250 m) above sea level.
  • History: Founded as a gold camp in 1864, it quickly grew into a wealthy city.
  • Culture: A blend of past and present, offering a mix of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. From the Myrna Loy Theatre to the Archie Bray Foundation, The arts scene in Helena is truly world-class.
  • Things to do: Explore the historic downtown, hike the trails in the surrounding hills, visit an art gallery, or enjoy the local breweries and restaurants.
  • Outdoor recreation: Helena is almost certainly the best city in Montana for hiking and mountain biking. Helena is also a gateway to many other outdoor activities, including fishing, rafting and more.

Helena is a unique city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor recreation, you’re sure to find something to enjoy.

Helena Climate

Helena has a semi-arid climate with distinct seasons. Winters are long, cold, and moderately snowy, while summers are hot and dry. Spring and autumn are short transitional periods. Snowfall can occur in any month except July, but it is most common from October to April, with the heaviest amounts in the January and February. Overall, Helena experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year.

Helena Weather

MonthHigh TempLow Temp
February 202554ºf (12ºc)-18 ºf (-28ºc)
January 202549ºf (9ºc)-11ºf (-24ºc)
December 202454ºf (12ºc)23ºf (-5ºc)
November 202457ºf (14ºc)12ºf (-11ºc)
October 202484ºf (29ºc)23 ºf (-5ºc)
September 202490ºf (32ºc)35ºf (2ºc)
August 202498ºf (36ºc)43ºf (6ºc)
July 202499ºf (37ºc)48ºf (9ºc)
June 202492ºf (33ºc)37ºf (3ºc)
May 202480ºf (27ºc)29ºf (-1ºc)
April 202473ºf (23ºc)22ºf (-5ºc)
March 202465ºf (18ºc)8ºf (-13ºc)
February 202456ºf (13ºc)-1ºf (-18ºc)
January 202450ºf (10ºc)-32ºf (-35ºc)

Current Helena Weather with Forecast

Links to a few other sites taht provide information about Helena, Montana