About Helena
Helena is the capital city of the U.S. state of Montana and the county seat of Lewis and Clark County. Its population was 32,091 at the 2020 census, making it the sixth-most populous city in Montana, but the fifth-least populous state capital in the U.S. It is the principal city of the Helena, Montana metropolitan area, which includes all of Lewis and Clark, and Jefferson counties; the MSA's population was 83,058 at the 2020 census.
Places to visit in Helena
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Montana State Capitol
LandmarkA copper-domed capitol with free tours and notable murals, including a large painting by Charles M. Russell of Lewis and Clark in the House chamber.
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Cathedral of St. Helena
ReligiousA Gothic Revival cathedral with twin spires dominating the skyline, featuring Bavarian stained glass windows and a soaring interior that visitors can see between services.
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Last Chance Gulch
HistoricHelena's historic main street, named for the gold discovery that founded the city, now a pedestrian mall with shops, restaurants and preserved buildings. It is ideal for an afternoon walk.
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Gates of the Mountains
Nature · 20 mi from centreNorth of town, boat tours travel through a dramatic Missouri River canyon named by Lewis and Clark, with towering limestone cliffs and frequent wildlife sightings.
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Mount Helena City Park
NatureA large park on the mountain above downtown with hiking trails leading to the summit for wide views of the city and the valley. Trails start right from town.
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Original Governor's Mansion
HistoricA Queen Anne-style brick mansion that housed Montana governors for decades, open for guided tours showing period furnishings and stories of the families who lived there.
Where to stay in Helena
Popular hotels in Helena, out of 18 properties you can book.
Rodeway Inn Helena
From $87 per night
Comfort Suites Helena Airport
From $132 per night
Best Western Premier Helena Great Northern Hotel
From $168 per night
Hampton Inn Helena
From $101 per night
Fairfield By Marriott Inn & Suites Helena North
From $118 per night
Baymont by Wyndham Helena
From $70 per night
Home2 Suites by Hilton Helena
From $154 per night
Days Inn by Wyndham Helena
From $111 per night
Best Western Helena/Capitol Hotel
From $96 per night
Helena Inn Airport
From $62 per night
Residence Inn Helena
From $182 per night
Delta Hotels by Marriott Helena Colonial
From $162 per night
Best time to visit Helena
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Helena is August to September, when average daytime highs are around 76–82°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Helena weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 70° 39° 1%
- Thu 22 Oct 71° 48° 18%
- Fri 23 Oct 58° 38° 90%
- Sat 24 Oct 49° 30° 42%
- Sun 25 Oct 43° 28° 15%
- Mon 26 Oct 43° 26° 18%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/DenverUTC−6
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Helena
These are the airports closest to central Helena. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- HLN Helena Regional Airport3 mi (4 km) from the city centre
Getting around Helena
A small bus network is provided by Capital Area Transit Service, fares cost $1.50. Also, there's a free shuttle between Capitol Hill Mall and the Capitol Building.
Helena travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Helena?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Helena is August to September, when average daytime highs are around 76–82°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
What is the weather like in Helena?
July is usually the warmest month in Helena, with average highs of 85°F (30°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 10°F (-12°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 63 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Helena?
Helena Regional Airport (HLN) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (4 km) from the centre of Helena.
What time zone is Helena in?
Helena uses the America/Denver time zone (currently UTC−6). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Helena?
A small bus network is provided by Capital Area Transit Service, fares cost $1.50. Also, there's a free shuttle between Capitol Hill Mall and the Capitol Building.
What are the best places to visit in Helena?
Top sights in Helena include Montana State Capitol, Cathedral of St. Helena, Last Chance Gulch and Gates of the Mountains. A copper-domed capitol with free tours and notable murals, including a large painting by Charles M. Russell of Lewis and Clark in the House chamber.
Where should I stay in Helena?
Popular areas for hotels in Helena include Helena. Well-reviewed options include Rodeway Inn Helena and Comfort Suites Helena Airport.
How many hotels can I book in Helena?
Destina Holidays currently lists 18 properties in and around Helena, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
