Mountain Lions in Idaho in January
Yes, January is a good month to see mountain lions in Idaho. It is the 4th busiest month of the year, with 9 of the 91 sightings logged across the year (9.9%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Good month for mountain lions in Idaho
9.9%
of yearly sightings
9
records in January
#4
busiest month of 12
91
verified records a year
December 5.5%, January 9.9%, February 6.6%. Busiest month is November at 18.7%.
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 |
In Idaho, January carries 9.9% of the year's mountain lions sightings, about 1.6 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 4th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is rising from December (5.5%) into January, and it heads toward February (6.6%) after. The busiest month is November (18.7%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The mountain lions most often recorded in Idaho are Mountain Lion. Those counts are annual totals rather than a January split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in January itself.
Which mountain lions you are most likely to see
- Mountain Lion91 records
Plan your mountain lion trip in Idaho
Start with live tours near City Of Rocks National Reserve, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near City Of Rocks National Reserve
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main mountain lion viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near City Of Rocks National Reserve
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best mountain lion viewing area in Idaho.
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Broader backupBook a mountain lion tour in Idaho
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see mountain lions in Idaho in January?+
Yes. January accounts for 9 of the 91 verified mountain lions sightings logged in Idaho across the year, which is 9.9% of the annual total.
Is January a good time to see mountain lions in Idaho?+
January is the 4th busiest month. It is workable, though November and October is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for mountain lions in Idaho?+
November is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through November, October and September, based on 91 verified observations.
Which mountain lions are you most likely to see in Idaho?+
The most-recorded species in Idaho are Mountain Lion, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See mountain lions in Idaho in other months
More wildlife in Idaho