Flathead Lake
Lake One of North America's largest natural freshwater lakes
Flathead Lake in Montana is a wide, clear freshwater basin near Polson and Bigfork. Summer visitors fish, sail and camp along state parks, and orchards around the southern shore sell cherries.
Flathead Lake is a large natural freshwater lake in northwest Montana, United States, and is one of the region’s principal inland water bodies. The lake is regionally important for recreation, fisheries and scenic value.
The lake and surrounding lands have long been used by Indigenous peoples and later by settlers for fishing, transport and agriculture; modern recreational development expanded through the 20th century with growth in tourism infrastructure. Management has combined recreation, conservation and water-use considerations.
Located in northwest Montana, Flathead Lake lies south of the city of Kalispell and north of the Mission Mountains region, within Flathead County and nearby counties; towns such as Polson sit on its shores and serve as local access points.
- Regional significance: Recognized as the largest natural freshwater lake in the western contiguous United States, it is a major regional recreation resource for boating, fishing and tourism.
How to Get to Flathead Lake #
Flathead Lake is accessible by car from Kalispell (about 30-45 minutes north) via US-93 to Polson on the southern shore. Regional flights to Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell provide the nearest air access; car rental recommended.
Tips for Visiting Flathead Lake #
- Renting a car or boat is the best way to explore the lake's many public access points and lakeside towns
- Visit Flathead Lake during late spring or early autumn for fewer tourists and pleasant water temperatures
- Try local huckleberry pie - a regional specialty often sold at roadside stands
Best Time to Visit Flathead Lake #
Summer is prime for water activities; late spring and early autumn are preferable for quieter visits and wildlife watching.
Weather & Climate near Flathead Lake #
Flathead Lake's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (505 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 65 mm of rain.
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July
July is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm).
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
