Montana’s Warmest Februarys Since 1895, Ranked

February in Montana isn’t for the weak. Even though it’s the shortest month of the year, our weather can sometimes make it feel like the longest. This is where cabin fever really starts to set in, and we start counting the days until spring. 

Why February Often Feels Endless in Montana 

With Groundhog Day at the beginning of the month, it gives Montanans hope for spring. Even though the groundhog seems to be predicting six more weeks of winter regularly, it doesn’t stop us from looking forward to warmer weather and all the great things that come with it.  

READ MORE: Why the Farmer’s Almanac Spring Forecast Matters for Montana This Year

According to meteorologist Dan Borsum, February and March are months when Montana typically gets precipitation. In February most of the time that comes in the form of snow.

READ MORE: Record Warmth in Montana: What It Means for Fire Season  

Not everyone loves getting a lot of snow in February; after all, it’s usually been a long winter and we have seen enough. But most people will probably agree that getting a lot of snow in February can help with the eventual fire season we will experience in Montana.  

Every February is cold in Montana; some years are much colder than others. Then there are the years where you may think to yourself, “This isn’t that bad.” It’s the warm years that are hard for me. Those are the years that I have hoped we would have an early spring, and most of the time, I am disappointed.  

What NOAA Data Reveals About February Temperatures

NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information has tracked Montana’s average February temperatures since 1895, and the top ten warmest Montana Februarys on record are listed below.