Best Time to See Mountain Lions in Arizona
December, January and April is the best time to see mountain lions in Arizona. Based on 703 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when mountain lions are most active across the year in Arizona.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Mountain Lion · stevemerkley CC BY
Mountain Lion · Public domain CC0
Mountain Lion · Sue Carnahan CC BY
703 verified observations of mountain lions in Arizona, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When mountain lions are recorded in Arizona
Peak month
December
84 records (11.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 74 | 10.5% |
| February | 67 | 9.5% |
| March | 61 | 8.7% |
| Aprilpeak | 74 | 10.5% |
| May | 61 | 8.7% |
| June | 49 | 7% |
| July | 33 | 4.7% |
| August | 53 | 7.5% |
| September | 42 | 6% |
| October | 43 | 6.1% |
| November | 62 | 8.8% |
| Decemberpeak | 84 | 11.9% |
Mountain Lions you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Mountain Lion | 703 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Arizona
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when mountain lions are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for mountain lions sit around 34 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Janbest time | 52°F | 34°F | 1.9" |
| Feb | 52°F | 34°F | 1.9" |
| Mar | 58°F | 39°F | 2.7" |
| Aprbest time | 71°F | 49°F | 0.2" |
| May | 77°F | 56°F | 0.3" |
| Jun | 88°F | 66°F | 0.3" |
| Jul | 91°F | 72°F | 2.7" |
| Aug | 88°F | 70°F | 2.2" |
| Sep | 84°F | 64°F | 1.4" |
| Oct | 73°F | 52°F | 0.6" |
| Nov | 63°F | 43°F | 1.5" |
| Decbest time | 53°F | 36°F | 2" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Arizona. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of mountain lions in Arizona peak in December, when 84 of the year's 703 verified observations are logged — about 11.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through December, January and April.
The quietest stretch is July, September and October, when mountain lions are hardest to find — July sees just 33 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The mountain lions you are most likely to encounter in Arizona are Mountain Lion — the most-recorded species in the state. Each keeps its own seasonal rhythm, but the month-by-month pattern above reflects every reported sighting together.
Where to go
Best places to see mountain lions in Arizona
- Chiricahua National Monument — National Monument
- Coronado National Memorial — National Memorial
- Fort Bowie National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Grand Canyon National Park — National Park
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Montezuma Castle National Monument — National Monument
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see mountain lions in Arizona?+
December is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through December, January and April, based on 703 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are mountain lions hardest to see in Arizona?+
July is the quietest month for mountain lions in Arizona, with only 33 verified records.
Are mountain lions active year-round in Arizona?+
Mountain lions are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Arizona, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in December.
More places to see mountain lions
More wildlife in Arizona