Best Time to See Mountain Lions in Missouri
January and February is the best time to see mountain lions in Missouri. Based on 2 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when mountain lions 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.
2 verified observations of mountain lions in Missouri, recorded across 2 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When mountain lions are recorded in Missouri
Peak month
January
1 records (50% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 1 | 50% |
| Februarypeak | 1 | 50% |
| March | 0 | 0% |
| April | 0 | 0% |
| May | 0 | 0% |
| June | 0 | 0% |
| July | 0 | 0% |
| August | 0 | 0% |
| September | 0 | 0% |
| October | 0 | 0% |
| November | 0 | 0% |
| December | 0 | 0% |
Mountain Lions you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Mountain Lion | 2 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Missouri
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when mountain lions are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for mountain lions sit around 25 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Janbest time | 43°F | 27°F | 3" |
| Febbest time | 45°F | 25°F | 3.2" |
| Mar | 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" |
| Oct | 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.
Sightings of mountain lions in Missouri peak in January, when 1 of the year's 2 verified observations are logged — about 50% of the annual total. Activity stays high through January and February.
The quietest stretch is March, April and May, when mountain lions are hardest to find — no verified records exist for March. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The mountain lions you are most likely to encounter in Missouri are Mountain Lion — 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 mountain lions 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 mountain lions in Missouri?+
January is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through January and February, based on 2 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are mountain lions hardest to see in Missouri?+
March is the quietest month for mountain lions in Missouri, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are mountain lions active year-round in Missouri?+
Mountain lions are recorded in 2 of 12 months in Missouri, concentrated around January and February.
More places to see mountain lions
More wildlife in Missouri