Best Time to See Coyotes in Missouri

October, May and February is the best time to see coyotes in Missouri. Based on 734 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when coyotes are most active across the year in Missouri.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.

Coyote photographed in Missouri

Coyote · Public domain CC0

Coyote photographed in Missouri

Coyote · Public domain CC0

Coyote photographed in Missouri

Coyote · Conway Hawn CC BY

Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Best months: October, May, February

734 verified observations of coyotes in Missouri, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When coyotes are recorded in Missouri

Peak month

October

124 records (16.9% of the year)

Quietest month

August

25 records

MonthObservationsShare
January598%
Februarypeak7410.1%
March486.5%
April719.7%
Maypeak8211.2%
June669%
July324.4%
August253.4%
September527.1%
Octoberpeak12416.9%
November496.7%
December527.1%

Coyotes you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Coyote734

Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo

Typical weather in Missouri

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 25 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.

MonthAvg highAvg lowRain
Jan43°F27°F3"
Febbest time45°F25°F3.2"
Mar57°F37°F5.6"
Apr67°F45°F4.7"
Maybest time74°F56°F5.9"
Jun86°F65°F4.3"
Jul90°F70°F4.2"
Aug88°F69°F5.1"
Sep84°F63°F2.2"
Octbest time68°F49°F5"
Nov57°F38°F2.1"
Dec50°F32°F2.1"

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 coyotes in Missouri:

Sightings of coyotes in Missouri peak in October, when 124 of the year's 734 verified observations are logged — about 16.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through October, May and February.

The quietest stretch is August and July, when coyotes are hardest to find — August sees just 25 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 Missouri 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 Missouri

  • George Washington Carver National MonumentNational Monument
  • Lewis & Clark National Historic TrailNational Historic Trail
  • Ozark National Scenic RiverwaysNational Scenic Riverways
  • Ulysses S Grant National Historic SiteNational Historic Site
  • Wilson's Creek National BattlefieldNational Battlefield
  • Butterfield Overland National Historic TrailNational Historic Trail

Gear to see them

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to see coyotes in Missouri?+

October is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through October, May and February, based on 734 verified iNaturalist observations.

When are coyotes hardest to see in Missouri?+

August is the quietest month for coyotes in Missouri, with only 25 verified records.

Are coyotes active year-round in Missouri?+

Coyotes are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Missouri, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in October.