Rainy June stymies Whitefish occupancy rate

Whitefish’s occupancy for traditional lodging in June landed at 59.1%, dropping 6% compared to 2023.

However, Whitefish headed into June about 11% behind the same time in 2023, according to Explore Whitefish’s June market report. 

Short-term rentals, meanwhile, had a 3.5% increase since June 2023, even with an added supply in the 59937 ZIP code of nearly 10%. However, the rate for short-term rentals dropped for the month by double digits. 

“June was rainy and with the majority of our visitation based on outdoor recreation, these results reinforce the need to build additional beneficial visitation through the development of meetings, live events, and excitement around our dining, arts and culture experiences,” the report stated.

The summer season “on the books” forecast continues to pace slightly behind the same time as last year. However, additional lodging occupancy is expected to grow in both July and August. Approximately 17% of Whitefish’s lodging occupancy for the last days of July has already been added.  

Visitor spending in June was up 4% from year-to-year, also possibly due to rainy weather and more time spent in town. Visitors from Seattle and Missoula have had the highest spending in Whitefish, followed by visitors from the Portland, Los Angeles and Minneapolis areas.