Best Time to See Bobcats in Iowa
December, November and April is the best time to see bobcats in Iowa. Based on 65 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when bobcats are most active across the year in Iowa.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Bobcat · Public domain CC0
65 verified observations of bobcats in Iowa, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When bobcats are recorded in Iowa
Peak month
December
10 records (15.4% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5 | 7.7% |
| February | 6 | 9.2% |
| March | 3 | 4.6% |
| Aprilpeak | 7 | 10.8% |
| May | 5 | 7.7% |
| June | 3 | 4.6% |
| July | 1 | 1.5% |
| August | 3 | 4.6% |
| September | 7 | 10.8% |
| October | 7 | 10.8% |
| Novemberpeak | 8 | 12.3% |
| Decemberpeak | 10 | 15.4% |
Bobcats you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Bobcat | 65 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Iowa
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when bobcats are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for bobcats sit around 23 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29°F | 13°F | 1.8" |
| Feb | 30°F | 11°F | 1.3" |
| Mar | 48°F | 29°F | 2.6" |
| Aprbest time | 60°F | 39°F | 2.5" |
| May | 70°F | 52°F | 5.3" |
| Jun | 82°F | 63°F | 4.1" |
| Jul | 84°F | 67°F | 3.6" |
| Aug | 83°F | 65°F | 3" |
| Sep | 78°F | 59°F | 2.9" |
| Oct | 61°F | 44°F | 4.2" |
| Novbest time | 48°F | 31°F | 1.6" |
| Decbest time | 39°F | 23°F | 1.5" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Iowa. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on bobcats in Iowa:
Sightings of bobcats in Iowa peak in December, when 10 of the year's 65 verified observations are logged — about 15.4% of the annual total. Activity stays high through December, November and April.
The quietest stretch is July, when bobcats are hardest to find — July sees just 1 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The bobcats you are most likely to encounter in Iowa are Bobcat — 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 bobcats in Iowa
- Effigy Mounds National Monument — National Monument
- Herbert Hoover National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see bobcats in Iowa?+
December is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through December, November and April, based on 65 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are bobcats hardest to see in Iowa?+
July is the quietest month for bobcats in Iowa, with only 1 verified records.
Are bobcats active year-round in Iowa?+
Bobcats are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Iowa, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in December.
More places to see bobcats
More wildlife in Iowa