Best Time to See Mountain Lions in Colorado
March, July and June is the best time to see mountain lions in Colorado. Based on 413 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when mountain lions 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.
North American Mountain Lion · Jared Shorma CC BY
Mountain Lion · Public domain CC0
Mountain Lion · Public domain CC0
413 verified observations of mountain lions in Colorado, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When mountain lions are recorded in Colorado
Peak month
March
45 records (10.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 40 | 9.7% |
| February | 20 | 4.8% |
| Marchpeak | 45 | 10.9% |
| April | 38 | 9.2% |
| May | 35 | 8.5% |
| Junepeak | 43 | 10.4% |
| Julypeak | 45 | 10.9% |
| August | 20 | 4.8% |
| September | 26 | 6.3% |
| October | 37 | 9% |
| November | 36 | 8.7% |
| December | 28 | 6.8% |
Mountain Lions you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Mountain Lion | 413 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Colorado
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 9 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" |
| Marbest time | 34°F | 9°F | 1.3" |
| Apr | 46°F | 20°F | 1.1" |
| May | 57°F | 31°F | 2.5" |
| Junbest time | 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" |
| Oct | 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.
Sightings of mountain lions in Colorado peak in March, when 45 of the year's 413 verified observations are logged — about 10.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through March, July and June.
The quietest stretch is February, August and September, when mountain lions are hardest to find — February sees just 20 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 Colorado 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 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
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see mountain lions in Colorado?+
March is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through March, July and June, based on 413 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are mountain lions hardest to see in Colorado?+
February is the quietest month for mountain lions in Colorado, with only 20 verified records.
Are mountain lions active year-round in Colorado?+
Mountain lions are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Colorado, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in March.
More places to see mountain lions
More wildlife in Colorado