January: Typically the coldest month of the year in the western Montana mountains, January can see lows reaching 40 below and below zero for the highs. However, such cold snaps are usually brief (lasting less than a week or so). Here in the Centennial Valley we expect our usual lows to range below zero and our highs in the teens and twenties this time of year. However, sunshine is also abundant - and a room with a view (and a bit of sunlight streaming through the window) is incredibly enjoyable!
February: Not immune to the cold weather, we've seen President's Day weekend hit 30 + below zero with highs only reaching 16 below. However, the norm is more like lows in, around, or just below zero and highs in the upper teens to mid twenties. The sunshine is still abundant with most snow storms passing over Elk Lake and only lasting a day or two - at the most - followed by brightening skies and lots of sunshine.
March: The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer. However, snow storms and cold snaps can still work their way over the Centennial Mountains, so be prepared. March is tends to be warmer than January and February, but it can also have more frequent snow storms. Nonetheless, the sunshine is abundant and the days are typically beautiful. As the month progresses, the highs travel up from the teens and twenties to the upper thirties and mid forties during the daytime, and the lows begin to avoid the single digits - settling into the mid to upper teens and even the low twenties - it's getting just balmy folks. On the down side, the snow turns sugary by the end of March, typically, and we see the snowmobile season come to an end.
April: The days continue to get longer (especially now that we've entered daylight savings time) and the sunshine is melting the snow in earnest. As the temperatures warm into the mid forties to low fifties for the high and the twenties to thirties for a low, the snow fades and the grass begins to green. Although this is the 'mud season', it is also a season of re-birth in the western Montana mountains.
May: It's time for ice off as the warmer weather and increasing summer breezes work to break apart the ice which has coated Elk Lake since late November. May in the Centennial Valley features lots of sunny days punctuated by occasional thunder storms or rainy squalls. However, with temperatures reaching into the seventies for a high and the forties for a low, spring is definitely in the air. Nevertheless, this is also one of the most unpredictable times of the year. It can be 77 degrees one day, and 38 degrees a few days later (May 2006 was a great example. It was 78 degrees on the 18th and 38 degrees nine days later) Although the grassy areas around the resort are usually greening up and drying out nicely, the roads can still be muddy and wet - and the north facing slopes and narrow tree filled draws usually still contain substantial snow drifts.
June: The ice is gone, the weather is (mostly) warm, the fishing is great, and the bugs have returned with a vengeance. Although some of the best fishing you'll ever see is this time of year, come prepared to battle the bugs. With highs averaging in the high sixties to low seventies (even reaching the low eighties by month end), and lows in the mid thirties to low forties, this is a great time of year to get out and enjoy the early summer. With mostly sunny days accompanied by a pleasant breeze - you won't find any place nicer than the western Montana mountains - weather wise. However, the Centennial Valley and surrounding mountains are also famous for their bugs. While here at Elk Lake Resort they are not as bad as most areas in the valley, you still better come armed with bug spray - just in case!
July: Aw, summer in the Montana mountains. Life doesn't get much better than this. With warm daytime temperatures (70's and 80's during the day) and cool nights for sleeping (40's and low 50's at night), life is good. The sun shines most of the time, with intermittent thunderstorms to cool things down and dampen the dust. And, by mid July the bugs are thinning out - and life is good. The wildflowers in the Montana mountains are in full bloom, the aspen leaves are winking in the breeze, and the grass is green on the hillsides around Elk Lake Resort. Life in the Centennial Valley is pleasant in July!
August: Summer continues its short debut in the western Montana mountains for most of the month of August. The bugs are gone, the days are warm (mid 60's to low 80's), the breeze is pleasant as it brushes across your face, and the nights are crisp (upper 20's to low 40's). The hillsides might be browning a bit, but the days are filled with non-stop sunshine and life is good!
September: One of the prettiest months of the year in the Centennial Valley, September is a great time to spend in the high mountain valleys. The weather is cooling down as fall sets in, turning the green aspen leaves to various shades of yellow, orange, and red. However, most days are sunny, with just intermittent showers on occasion. The bugs are all gone, opening the door to comfortable exploration of the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. And, although some days can still reach the upper 70's or low 80's, the normal daytime temperatures have dropped into the 60's (with occasional dips down into the 50's). This time of year the heaters and down comforters in Elk Lake Resort's cabins come in handy as the night time temps can dip into the 20's. Nonetheless, by the end of the month, the fishing has picked up - and fall's colors are in full 'bloom'.
October: Another transition month sets in with increasing showers (even occasional snow flurries which produce an inch or two - but which doesn't stick - yet!), increasingly muddy roads, and improving fishing. In fact, second only to the mid May to mid June stretch, October has to be the best time for fishing. Although early in the year fly fishing is king, sometimes October gives the crown to the trolling fishermen. This month you can expect highs in the mid 60's on a warm day and the mid 40's on a cool day with nighttime temperatures reaching down into the mid to low teens and even a single digit low overnight on occasion.
November: Winter is making an entrance this time of year with high temperatures in the 30's and 40's and lows in the teens and single digits. It's time to put up the outdoor furniture and move life inside for a few months. More and more rain and snow squalls visit, although the sunshine still reminds us, regularly, why we love living in the western Montana mountains. However, by the end of the month, the lake is putting on ice.
December: By the beginning of December, winter is taking hold of the temperatures, even if the ground is still not covered with snow. With highs in the 30's and lows in the double digits below zero, the ice on the lake is thickening, and it is definitely more comfortable inside than out. However, as the snow begins to deepen, and the sunshine warms our dining room - I can't help but thank God I live in a place as incredible as Montana's Centennial Valley!
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