Best Time to See Mountain Lions in Idaho
November, October and September is the best time to see mountain lions in Idaho. Based on 91 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when mountain lions are most active across the year in Idaho.
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 · Mark Pollock CC BY
Mountain Lion · Mark Pollock CC BY
Mountain Lion · Mark Pollock CC BY
91 verified observations of mountain lions in Idaho, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When mountain lions are recorded in Idaho
Peak month
November
17 records (18.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 9 | 9.9% |
| February | 6 | 6.6% |
| March | 9 | 9.9% |
| April | 3 | 3.3% |
| May | 4 | 4.4% |
| June | 7 | 7.7% |
| July | 5 | 5.5% |
| August | 4 | 4.4% |
| Septemberpeak | 10 | 11% |
| Octoberpeak | 12 | 13.2% |
| Novemberpeak | 17 | 18.7% |
| December | 5 | 5.5% |
Mountain Lions you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Mountain Lion | 91 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Idaho
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 19 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31°F | 13°F | 1.6" |
| Feb | 32°F | 14°F | 2.4" |
| Mar | 41°F | 20°F | 1.7" |
| Apr | 48°F | 25°F | 1.9" |
| May | 60°F | 35°F | 2.9" |
| Jun | 71°F | 44°F | 2.9" |
| Jul | 82°F | 51°F | 1.2" |
| Aug | 81°F | 51°F | 1.9" |
| Sepbest time | 71°F | 43°F | 1.9" |
| Octbest time | 54°F | 29°F | 1.8" |
| Novbest time | 40°F | 19°F | 1.8" |
| Dec | 31°F | 13°F | 1.8" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Idaho. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of mountain lions in Idaho peak in November, when 17 of the year's 91 verified observations are logged — about 18.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through November, October and September.
The quietest stretch is April, May and August, when mountain lions are hardest to find — April sees just 3 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 Idaho 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 Idaho
- City Of Rocks National Reserve — National Reserve
- Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve — National Monument & Preserve
- Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument — National Monument
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Nez Perce National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Yellowstone National Park — National Park
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see mountain lions in Idaho?+
November is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through November, October and September, based on 91 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are mountain lions hardest to see in Idaho?+
April is the quietest month for mountain lions in Idaho, with only 3 verified records.
Are mountain lions active year-round in Idaho?+
Mountain lions are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Idaho, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in November.
More places to see mountain lions
More wildlife in Idaho