Looking for Montana fall outfits for an upcoming vacation? I’ve got you covered.
Fall in Montana is one of those experiences that everyone needs to experience.
The air is crisp and pine-scented, the mountains are dusted with snow, and the golden leaves make everything feel a little bit magical. It’s just wonderful.
However if there’s one thing I’ve learned about traveling to Montana this time of year, it’s that the weather does whatever it wants, and you’ll need to be ready for all of it.
Planning your outfits for fall in Montana is less about fashion rules and more about smart layering while still looking cute in photos.
And that’s exactly what this Montana style guide is here to help with.
If you’re like me and want to feel confident and prepared, building the right Montana fall outfits ahead of time makes all the difference.
Montana Fall Outfits: What to Wear in Montana in the Fall
Montana’s fall weather varies by month but layering is essential no matter when you go.
Think cozy, functional, and photo-ready.
You’ll want basics you can mix and match, waterproof layers, and cold-weather accessories starting mid-October.
Montana Weather in the Fall
In September, you will mostly experience crisp mornings and warm afternoons. Temperatures range from 35°F–75°F.
In October it is chilly and changeable, but this is peak fall color time. Temperatures range from 25°F–65°F.
November sees it start to get snowy and cold. Full winter gear is recommended. Temperatures range from 15°F–45°F.
What to Wear in Montana in September
In September, you are most likely to experience crisp mornings in the 30s–40s °F, and warm afternoons that can get up to 70s °F.
Your clothing needs to be layer-friendly and changeable. This is also the most unpredictable month when it comes to Montana September weather, so flexible outfits are key.
Cozy Day Out In Town
One of my favorite Montana fall outfits for early September days included a soft ribbed tank layered with a slouchy knit cardigan and a pair of high-rise jeans.
It’s the perfect outfit for walking through one of the many cute downtown areas, stopping in boutiques, and picking up pastries at a bakery.
Add water-resistant ankle boots and a wide-brim felt hat for a bit of flair.
The outfit will work wonderfully all day and when the sun drops behind the mountain, add a large scarf, and you should be good.
Here are some of the wonderful small towns in Montana you should visit.
Outdoor Adventures
For outdoor adventures, like hiking along the lakes near Glacier, I stuck with a long-sleeve moisture-wicking top and a lightweight puffer vest that fit easily into my backpack when I got warm.
Full-length leggings with deep side pockets were perfect for holding my phone and trail snacks, and I wore trail sneakers with good grip.
It was comfortable, breathable, and still cute enough for post-hike photos. Definitely one of my go-to Montana vacation outfits for fall.
Evening Out
If you’re heading out to dinner at a rustic lodge or brewery (which I highly recommend), a long-sleeve sweater dress paired with a denim jacket.
Adding long Chelsea boots strikes the perfect balance between cozy and put-together.
Add a pair of gold hoops and your favorite bag to complete the outfit.
What to Wear in Montana in October
In October it starts to get cooler overall. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s–60s °F and lows into the 20s–30s °F.
Expect frost, occasional snow, and stunning fall colors.
Montana October weather can shift quickly, so I like to keep an extra layer or two in the car just in case.
Classic Pumpkin Patch Vibes
We visited a fall festival outside Missoula, and I wore a thermal long-sleeve top layered under a soft flannel shirt.
I paired it with black skinny jeans and my favorite lace-up boots, which had enough tread to handle the slightly muddy ground from the night before.
A knit beanie kept me warm without ruining my hair too much.
Hot Springs Day Trip
If you are going to the Montana hot springs ( and you should) you will want something that is cozy and easy to change in and out of.
fleece-lined leggings and an oversized sherpa sweatshirt, with a swimsuit underneath and slip-on boots is the perfect Montana fall outfit for visiting hot springs!
Trail-to-Town Style
If your plans include a morning hike followed by lunch in town, a thermal base layer under a fitted fleece and insulated hiking pants will keep you comfortable for both.
Add a soft scarf and swap hiking boots for ankle ones before heading to a little café for lunch.
It’s functional, stylish, and warm.
Here are some great Hiking trails in Montana that might help you plan.
What to Wear in Montana in November
In November, winter starts to arrive. Morning temperatures in the teens, with highs in the 30s or 40s °F.
Snow is common, and winds can be sharp. You’ll want to be dressed for Montana November weather, especially if you’re doing anything outdoors.
Out In Town
A great go-to town outfit, in my opinion, is a wool-blend coat layered over a chunky knit sweater and thermal-lined leggings.
Waterproof boots that look stylish enough for brunch but handle slushy sidewalks like a champ are perfect.
A cable-knit beanie, touchscreen gloves, and a scarf will make sure you don’t get too cold.
You will stay toasty, feel stylish, and can easily remove layers when inside.
Evenings In The Cabin
For evenings at the cabin, nothing beats a sherpa-lined flannel worn over a soft thermal tee, paired with fleece joggers and warm socks.
Add a pair of shearling slippers and a good book, and you’re set for a snow day you’ll actually enjoy!
Here are some of the best cabins in Montana if you are looking for inspiration.
Montana Fall Outfits: Outdoor Activity
If you’re heading into Yellowstone or doing any kind of wildlife drive or outdoor activity, you will need to think warm.
A thermal base layer under an insulated parka, insulated or snow boots with real traction, and something to protect your neck against wind.
It is less about being glamorous and more about staying warm and dry.
Montana Fall Outfits: Essentials Not To Forget!
If you will be traveling to Montana by plane or car, here are some tips on how to pack lightly.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves are another solution.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for exploring.
And the replacement carbon filter ensures fresh, clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you as well.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.
These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful when heading to any Montana indoor waterparks or hot springs.
These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.
For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.
Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.
This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.
If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.
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What to Pack for Fall in Montana
Packing for Montana in the fall is like packing for three seasons in one trip.
I always bring a mix of lightweight and heavier tops, several layering options like flannels and cardigans, and at least one serious coat.
Jeans and leggings are versatile, but also include something insulated for November or higher elevations.
Shoes make a big difference: hiking boots for trails, ankle boots for town, and snow boots once you hit mid-November.
I bring plenty of warm socks, at least one pair of gloves, a hat, and a scarf.
Even in the fall, sunglasses and sunscreen come in handy because of the glare off snow and high-altitude sun.
And yes, I always pack a swimsuit, even in November, because Montana’s hot springs are just too good to miss.
Here is a list to make packing easier:
- Lightweight and heavier tops
- Layering pieces (flannels, cardigans, fleece)
- One serious winter coat
- Jeans and leggings
- Insulated pants (for November or higher elevations)
- Hiking boots (for trails)
- Ankle boots (for town)
- Snow boots (for mid-November and beyond)
- Plenty of warm socks
- Gloves
- A hat and a scarf
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (yes, even in fall!)
- A swimsuit (you’ll thank me when you hit the hot springs)
Montana fashion is all about being prepared while still embracing the beautiful, rustic vibe of the region.
Montana in the fall feels like something out of a storybook.
Whether you’re hiking through golden trees, watching steam rise off a hidden hot spring, or curling up in a cabin while snow falls outside, it’s heaven.
The right outfit helps you enjoy it fully, keeping you warm, comfortable, and ready for anything this wild and wonderful state throws at you.
With the right planning, your Montana fall outfits can be stylish, practical, and completely unforgettable.
Montana Winter Outfits: What to Wear in Montana in Winter + Packing List