Best Time to See Bears in Montana
July, August and June is the best time to see bears in Montana. Based on 1,481 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when bears are most active across the year in Montana.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
American Black Bear · Public domain CC0
American Black Bear · Cody Stricker CC BY
American Black Bear · Northcut CC BY
1,481 verified observations of bears in Montana, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When bears are recorded in Montana
Peak month
July
334 records (22.6% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5 | 0.3% |
| February | 2 | 0.1% |
| March | 3 | 0.2% |
| April | 26 | 1.8% |
| May | 167 | 11.3% |
| Junepeak | 289 | 19.5% |
| Julypeak | 334 | 22.6% |
| Augustpeak | 296 | 20% |
| September | 250 | 16.9% |
| October | 81 | 5.5% |
| November | 22 | 1.5% |
| December | 6 | 0.4% |
Bears you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American Black Bear | 1,481 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Montana
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when bears are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for bears sit around 47 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29°F | 17°F | 1" |
| Feb | 22°F | 9°F | 1.5" |
| Mar | 33°F | 18°F | 1.1" |
| Apr | 40°F | 24°F | 2.3" |
| May | 53°F | 36°F | 3.5" |
| Junbest time | 65°F | 47°F | 3.2" |
| Julbest time | 75°F | 55°F | 2" |
| Augbest time | 74°F | 54°F | 1.7" |
| Sep | 65°F | 46°F | 2.1" |
| Oct | 46°F | 31°F | 2" |
| Nov | 36°F | 23°F | 1" |
| Dec | 30°F | 18°F | 1" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Montana. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of bears in Montana peak in July, when 334 of the year's 1,481 verified observations are logged — about 22.6% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, August and June.
The quietest stretch is February and March, when bears are hardest to find — February sees just 2 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The bears you are most likely to encounter in Montana are American Black Bear — 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 bears in Montana
- Big Hole National Battlefield — National Battlefield
- Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Nez Perce National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Yellowstone National Park — National Park
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see bears in Montana?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, August and June, based on 1,481 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are bears hardest to see in Montana?+
February is the quietest month for bears in Montana, with only 2 verified records.
Are bears active year-round in Montana?+
Bears are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Montana, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in July.
More places to see bears
More wildlife in Montana