Great Falls International Airport

KGTF / GTF

Great Falls, US

Last Updated
May 15, 03:53Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Recent 35 min ago
03:53Z

🌅 Dawn
VFR
Flight Rules
11°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: -3°C
20 kt
250° G26 kt
10 SM
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1009 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KGTF 150353Z AUTO 25020G26KT 10SM CLR 11/M03 A2981 RMK AO2 PK WND 24026/0352 SLP091 T01061028 $

Weather Briefing

VFR

Great Falls International Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with clear skies and 10 SM visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the west-southwest (250°) at 20 knots with gusts to 26 knots. Runway 25 is favored with a 20-knot headwind and 0-knot crosswind component. Student pilots and low-time aviators should exercise caution.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is 10 SM. Skies are clear with unlimited ceiling.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 11°C (52°F) with a dewpoint of -3°C, indicating relatively dry conditions.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 24 hours. Conditions are expected to remain VFR throughout the forecast period. Winds are forecast to reach up to 25 knots during the period. Expect variable wind speeds ranging from 13 to 25 knots.

Pilot Recommendations

Conditions are favorable for visual flight.

This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.

QNH
1009 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
886 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (3,680 ft)
Pressure Alt
3,808 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 4,211 ft
ISA Deviation: +3.4°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF KGTF 142333Z 1500/1524 27020G31KT P6SM FEW250 FM150500 24013G23KT P6SM BKN250 FM151500 26025G36KT P6SM FEW250
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
04:27Z BASE
+0h
VFR 270° 20 kt
Visibility: >6SM
05:00Z FM150500
+1h
VFR 240° 13 kt
Visibility: >6SM
Ceiling: 25,000 ft
15:00Z FM151500
+11h
VFR 260° 25 kt
Visibility: >6SM

24-Hour Weather Evolution

Loading weather data...
Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
Chart Features
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Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
GTF
03
21
07
25 ✈️
17
35

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
03/21 10,502 ft 150 ft ASP 45°
18.1 kt 8.5 kt
155° angle
✈️ 07/25
Active: 25
4,294 ft 75 ft ASP 90°
20.0 kt 0.0 kt
0° angle
17/35 6,357 ft 150 ft ASP 180°
6.8 kt 18.8 kt
70° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KGTF

6,519 observations | Sep 2025 - May 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
83.1%
MVFR
9.7%
IFR
4.9%
LIFR
2.3%

Great Falls International Airport enjoys predominantly VFR conditions, with visual flight rules prevailing 83.1% of the time. Prevailing winds are from the SW averaging 11.6 knots, with gusts recorded up to 44 knots. Temperature extremes range from -27°C to 31°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are September, May, January.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: SW (225°)
Average Speed: 11.6 kt
Maximum Recorded: 44 kt
Calm Winds: 4.2%
Direction Distribution:
N
7.4%
NE
6.4%
E
6.9%
SE
2%
S
10.6%
SW
41.9%
W
12.3%
NW
8.3%

Temperature Range

Average: 4.2°C
Range: -27°C to 31°C
-27°C 31°C

Visibility

Average: 9.5 SM
Below 3 SM: 2.8%
Fog Frequency: 1.7%

Best Months for VFR

September May January

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 03/21
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 5 kt
Runway 07/25
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 5.7 kt
Runway 17/35
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 8.5 kt

Statistics computed from 6,519 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - May 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Great Falls International Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KGTF
IATA Code: GTF
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 3,680 ft MSL

Location

City: Great Falls
Country: US
Latitude: 47.481998°
Longitude: -111.371002°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+7

Runway Information

Runway 03/21
Length: 10,502 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 07/25
Length: 4,294 ft
Width: 75 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 17/35
Length: 6,357 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Great Falls International Airport

Overview

Great Falls International Airport serves central Montana as a medium-sized airport located at 3680 feet mean sea level near the city of Great Falls. The airport supports regional and commercial aviation with three asphalt runways, offering substantial landing options for various aircraft types. Its geographic position in north-central Montana provides critical transportation infrastructure for the region.

Flying Conditions

Weather observations indicate predominantly favorable flying conditions, with 85.5% of recorded periods under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Southwest winds averaging 11.6 knots are typical, with temperatures ranging from -24°C to 31°C. Pilots can expect the most consistent VFR conditions during September, January, and October, with minimal instrument meteorological conditions reported.

Notable Features

The airport's elevation of 3680 feet MSL and substantial runway lengths (primary runway 03/21 at 10,502 feet) accommodate a wide range of aircraft operations. Wind patterns demonstrate consistent favorable runway alignment, with all three runways showing 100% wind compatibility. Crosswind components remain relatively moderate, ranging from 4.6 to 8.5 knots across different runway headings.

Approach Considerations

Runway 03/21 offers the longest and most versatile landing surface, with the most stable wind conditions. Pilots should anticipate southwest prevailing winds and be prepared for potential temperature-related performance considerations given the airport's elevation. The multiple runway configurations provide flexibility for approaches under various wind conditions, with minimal directional restrictions.

Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.

Official Data Sources

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.