Montana’s Coldest Temperatures: Here Are the Top 5

Harsh winters aren’t exactly optional when you live in Montana. We’re home to one of the coldest temperatures ever recorded in the entire country. Back in 1954, Rogers Pass, just north of Helena, hit a mind-blowing –70 degrees. To this day, it’s still the coldest temperature ever logged in the lower 48.

So far, things have been unusually mild. Sure, we’ll drop below zero a handful of times during the winter because Montana is still Montana, but let's hope that history doesn't repeat itself when it comes to the coldest temperatures on record.

We dug into Montana’s deep-freeze history, and here’s what we found.

Top Five Coldest Days in Montana History

1. January 20, 1954 – Rogers Pass

The coldest temperature ever recorded in the U.S. outside Alaska. Roger’s Pass bottomed out at –70°, cementing its place in weather history and giving the Treasure State one of its harshest winters on record.

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2. February 9, 1933 – West Yellowstone, MT

West Yellowstone claims the runner-up spot with a staggering –66°. Fun fact: two of Wyoming’s coldest temperatures happened on that very same day.

3. February 12, 1905 – Hebgen Dam

Near West Yellowstone, Hebgen Dam hit -60° back in 1905, earning its place at #3.

4. January 12, 1963 – West Yellowstone, MT

West Yellowstone shows up again. With two spots on this list, it’s easily one of the coldest places in Montana come winter.

5. February 15, 1936 – Glasgow, MT

Rounding out the top five, Glasgow in northeastern Montana dropped to –58°.

Montana winters might test your patience, and sometimes your will to step outside at all, but they’re also part of what makes this place unforgettable. Whether it's a mild season or one for the record books, Montanans always find a way to bundle up, tough it out, and brag about it later.