About Missoula
Missoula is a city in and the county seat of Missoula County, Montana, United States. It is located along the Clark Fork River near its confluence with the Bitterroot and Blackfoot rivers in western Montana and at the convergence of five mountain ranges, and thus it is often described as the "hub of five valleys". It is the second-most populous city in Montana with a population of 73,489 at the 2020 census, increasing to an estimated 78,903 in 2025, while the Missoula metropolitan area has an estimated 128,698 residents. Missoula is home to the University of Montana, a public research university.
Places to visit in Missoula
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Mount Sentinel and the M Trail
Viewpoint · 2 mi from centreA steep switchback trail climbs from the University of Montana campus to a large concrete M on the mountainside. The view over Missoula and the valley is worth the effort.
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Caras Park and A Carousel for Missoula
ParkA riverside park downtown next to a hand-carved carousel built by local volunteers, with an adjoining playground. The park hosts summer concerts, festivals and markets, making it a lively gathering spot.
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Clark Fork Riverfront Trail
ParkA trail system along the Clark Fork River through downtown, connecting parks and the university. Watch surfers ride Brennan's Wave or stroll along the water.
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Historical Museum at Fort Missoula
Museum · 3 mi from centreHoused at a historic army post, this museum covers Missoula's past with historic buildings, a forestry exhibit and stories of the internment camp during World War II.
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Rattlesnake National Recreation Area
NatureA wild area just north of town with trails following Rattlesnake Creek through forest and meadows. Popular for hiking, mountain biking and spotting deer and other wildlife within minutes of downtown.
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Missoula Art Museum
MuseumA free downtown museum focusing on contemporary art of the American West, including a strong collection of work by Native American artists. Its galleries are compact and easy to fit into a walk around town.
Where to stay in Missoula
Popular hotels in Missoula, out of 54 properties you can book.
Garner Hotel Missoula Southwest by IHG
From $100 per night
Red Lion Inn & Suites Polson
From $118 per night
Best Western Plus Grant Creek Inn
From $118 per night
La Quinta Inn Missoula
From $108 per night
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Missoula Edgewater
From $168 per night
The Lodge at Lolo Hot Springs
From $133 per night
Ninepipes Lodge
From $179 per night
Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown
From $119 per night
Courtyard Missoula
From $126 per night
My Place Hotel-Missoula, MT
From $100 per night
COMFORT INN MISSOULA
From $101 per night
Comfort Inn University Missoula
From $135 per night
Best time to visit Missoula
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Missoula is August, when average daytime highs are around 84°F and rain falls on about 4 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.
Missoula weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 72° 40° 1%
- Thu 22 Oct 72° 46° 69%
- Fri 23 Oct 57° 38° 81%
- Sat 24 Oct 54° 32° 16%
- Sun 25 Oct 50° 29° 17%
- Mon 26 Oct 52° 28° 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 Missoula
These are the airports closest to central Missoula. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- MSO Missoula International Airport5 mi (9 km) from the city centre
Getting around Missoula
Visitors to Missoula often remark that the city is hard to get around in by car, a fact Missoulians famously owe to conflicting city engineers at the turn of the century. The confusing roadways make the Mountain Line city bus system a great way to get around, but with a little orienting, the city can be much more easily navigated.
Missoula travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Missoula?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Missoula is August, when average daytime highs are around 84°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
What is the weather like in Missoula?
July is usually the warmest month in Missoula, with average highs of 87°F (31°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 14°F (-10°C). The wettest month is typically December, with about 89 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Missoula?
Missoula International Airport (MSO) is the closest airport, about 5 miles (9 km) from the centre of Missoula.
What time zone is Missoula in?
Missoula 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 Missoula?
Visitors to Missoula often remark that the city is hard to get around in by car, a fact Missoulians famously owe to conflicting city engineers at the turn of the century.
What are the best places to visit in Missoula?
Top sights in Missoula include Mount Sentinel and the M Trail, Caras Park and A Carousel for Missoula, Clark Fork Riverfront Trail and Historical Museum at Fort Missoula. A steep switchback trail climbs from the University of Montana campus to a large concrete M on the mountainside. The view over Missoula and the valley is worth the effort.
Where should I stay in Missoula?
Popular areas for hotels in Missoula include Missoula. Well-reviewed options include Garner Hotel Missoula Southwest by IHG and Red Lion Inn & Suites Polson.
How many hotels can I book in Missoula?
Destina Holidays currently lists 54 properties in and around Missoula, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
