Best Time to See Bobcats in Missouri
February, March and October is the best time to see bobcats in Missouri. Based on 174 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when bobcats are most active across the year in Missouri.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
174 verified observations of bobcats in Missouri, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When bobcats are recorded in Missouri
Peak month
February
19 records (10.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 16 | 9.2% |
| Februarypeak | 19 | 10.9% |
| Marchpeak | 19 | 10.9% |
| April | 14 | 8% |
| May | 16 | 9.2% |
| June | 15 | 8.6% |
| July | 6 | 3.4% |
| August | 9 | 5.2% |
| September | 17 | 9.8% |
| Octoberpeak | 19 | 10.9% |
| November | 13 | 7.5% |
| December | 11 | 6.3% |
Bobcats you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Bobcat | 174 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Missouri
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 25 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 43°F | 27°F | 3" |
| Febbest time | 45°F | 25°F | 3.2" |
| Marbest time | 57°F | 37°F | 5.6" |
| Apr | 67°F | 45°F | 4.7" |
| May | 74°F | 56°F | 5.9" |
| Jun | 86°F | 65°F | 4.3" |
| Jul | 90°F | 70°F | 4.2" |
| Aug | 88°F | 69°F | 5.1" |
| Sep | 84°F | 63°F | 2.2" |
| Octbest time | 68°F | 49°F | 5" |
| Nov | 57°F | 38°F | 2.1" |
| Dec | 50°F | 32°F | 2.1" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Missouri. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on bobcats in Missouri:
Sightings of bobcats in Missouri peak in February, when 19 of the year's 174 verified observations are logged — about 10.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through February, March and October.
The quietest stretch is July and August, when bobcats are hardest to find — July sees just 6 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 Missouri 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 Missouri
- George Washington Carver National Monument — National Monument
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Ozark National Scenic Riverways — National Scenic Riverways
- Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Wilson's Creek National Battlefield — National Battlefield
- Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see bobcats in Missouri?+
February is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through February, March and October, based on 174 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are bobcats hardest to see in Missouri?+
July is the quietest month for bobcats in Missouri, with only 6 verified records.
Are bobcats active year-round in Missouri?+
Bobcats are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Missouri, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in February.
More places to see bobcats
More wildlife in Missouri


