Best Time to See Coyotes in Minnesota
February, January and April is the best time to see coyotes in Minnesota. Based on 2,611 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when coyotes are most active across the year in Minnesota.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
2,611 verified observations of coyotes in Minnesota, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When coyotes are recorded in Minnesota
Peak month
February
364 records (13.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 328 | 12.6% |
| Februarypeak | 364 | 13.9% |
| March | 266 | 10.2% |
| Aprilpeak | 322 | 12.3% |
| May | 218 | 8.3% |
| June | 124 | 4.7% |
| July | 113 | 4.3% |
| August | 127 | 4.9% |
| September | 119 | 4.6% |
| October | 166 | 6.4% |
| November | 208 | 8% |
| December | 256 | 9.8% |
Coyotes you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Coyote | 2,611 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Minnesota
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when coyotes are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for coyotes sit around 2 to 48 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Janbest time | 20°F | 5°F | 1" |
| Febbest time | 20°F | 2°F | 1" |
| Mar | 37°F | 19°F | 1.9" |
| Aprbest time | 48°F | 30°F | 2.9" |
| May | 64°F | 44°F | 2.6" |
| Jun | 77°F | 58°F | 2.6" |
| Jul | 79°F | 62°F | 4.6" |
| Aug | 77°F | 61°F | 3.8" |
| Sep | 70°F | 54°F | 3.6" |
| Oct | 53°F | 40°F | 2.7" |
| Nov | 38°F | 25°F | 1.8" |
| Dec | 27°F | 14°F | 2.5" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Minnesota. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on coyotes in Minnesota:
Sightings of coyotes in Minnesota peak in February, when 364 of the year's 2,611 verified observations are logged — about 13.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through February, January and April.
The quietest stretch is July, September and June, when coyotes are hardest to find — July sees just 113 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The coyotes you are most likely to encounter in Minnesota are Coyote — 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 coyotes in Minnesota
- Grand Portage National Monument — National Monument
- Mississippi National River & Recreation Area — National River & Recreation Area
- North Country National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Pipestone National Monument — National Monument
- Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway — National Scenic Riverway
- Voyageurs National Park — National Park
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see coyotes in Minnesota?+
February is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through February, January and April, based on 2,611 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are coyotes hardest to see in Minnesota?+
July is the quietest month for coyotes in Minnesota, with only 113 verified records.
Are coyotes active year-round in Minnesota?+
Coyotes are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Minnesota, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in February.
More places to see coyotes
More wildlife in Minnesota