Best Time to See Owls in Colorado
May, April and June is the best time to see owls in Colorado. Based on 5,284 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when owls 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.
5,284 verified observations of owls in Colorado, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When owls are recorded in Colorado
Peak month
May
840 records (15.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 368 | 7% |
| February | 288 | 5.5% |
| March | 357 | 6.8% |
| Aprilpeak | 796 | 15.1% |
| Maypeak | 840 | 15.9% |
| Junepeak | 580 | 11% |
| July | 461 | 8.7% |
| August | 399 | 7.6% |
| September | 379 | 7.2% |
| October | 288 | 5.5% |
| November | 259 | 4.9% |
| December | 269 | 5.1% |
Owls you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Great Horned Owl | 3,505 |
| Burrowing Owl | 730 |
| Eastern Screech-Owl | 217 |
| Long-eared Owl | 165 |
| Northern Pygmy-Owl | 143 |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | 132 |
| American Barn Owl | 109 |
| Western Screech-Owl | 55 |
Sightings of owls in Colorado peak in May, when 840 of the year's 5,284 verified observations are logged — about 15.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, April and June.
The quietest stretch is November, December and February, when owls are hardest to find — November sees just 259 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The owls you are most likely to encounter in Colorado are Great Horned Owl, Burrowing Owl and Eastern Screech-Owl — 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 owls 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
Plan your owl trip in Colorado
Start with live tours near Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main owl viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best owl viewing area in Colorado.
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Broader backupBook a owl tour in Colorado
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see owls in Colorado?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, April and June, based on 5,284 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are owls hardest to see in Colorado?+
November is the quietest month for owls in Colorado, with only 259 verified records.
Are owls active year-round in Colorado?+
Owls are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Colorado, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More places to see owls
More wildlife in Colorado