Best Time to See Bison in Colorado
October, July and April is the best time to see bison in Colorado. Based on 337 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when bison are most active across the year in Colorado.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
American Bison · William Harmon CC BY
American Bison · Coryn Fox Corvus CC BY
American Bison · Jason Layman CC BY-SA
337 verified observations of bison in Colorado, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When bison are recorded in Colorado
Peak month
October
107 records (31.8% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5 | 1.5% |
| February | 15 | 4.5% |
| March | 18 | 5.3% |
| Aprilpeak | 36 | 10.7% |
| May | 22 | 6.5% |
| June | 33 | 9.8% |
| Julypeak | 37 | 11% |
| August | 16 | 4.7% |
| September | 21 | 6.2% |
| Octoberpeak | 107 | 31.8% |
| November | 14 | 4.2% |
| December | 13 | 3.9% |
Bison you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American Bison | 337 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Colorado
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when bison are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for bison sit around 20 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27°F | 5°F | 0.5" |
| Feb | 27°F | 3°F | 0.9" |
| Mar | 34°F | 9°F | 1.3" |
| Aprbest time | 46°F | 20°F | 1.1" |
| May | 57°F | 31°F | 2.5" |
| Jun | 69°F | 42°F | 2.1" |
| Julbest time | 76°F | 49°F | 2.5" |
| Aug | 75°F | 48°F | 1.7" |
| Sep | 69°F | 41°F | 1.1" |
| Octbest time | 54°F | 27°F | 0.8" |
| Nov | 40°F | 18°F | 0.6" |
| Dec | 30°F | 10°F | 0.9" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Colorado. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on bison in Colorado:
Sightings of bison in Colorado peak in October, when 107 of the year's 337 verified observations are logged — about 31.8% of the annual total. Activity stays high through October, July and April.
The quietest stretch is January, when bison are hardest to find — January sees just 5 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The bison you are most likely to encounter in Colorado are American Bison — 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 bison in Colorado
- Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park — National Park
- Colorado National Monument — National Monument
- Curecanti National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Dinosaur National Monument — National Monument
- Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve — National Park & Preserve
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see bison in Colorado?+
October is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through October, July and April, based on 337 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are bison hardest to see in Colorado?+
January is the quietest month for bison in Colorado, with only 5 verified records.
Are bison active year-round in Colorado?+
Bison are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Colorado, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in October.
More places to see bison
More wildlife in Colorado