Best Time to See Bighorn Sheep in Montana
July, August and June is the best time to see bighorn sheep in Montana. Based on 2,008 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when bighorn sheep 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.
Bighorn Sheep · Cody Stricker CC BY
Bighorn Sheep · Daughter Dad CC BY
Bighorn Sheep · Karen Szafrajda CC BY
2,008 verified observations of bighorn sheep in Montana, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When bighorn sheep are recorded in Montana
Peak month
July
610 records (30.4% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 44 | 2.2% |
| February | 30 | 1.5% |
| March | 48 | 2.4% |
| April | 53 | 2.6% |
| May | 119 | 5.9% |
| Junepeak | 274 | 13.6% |
| Julypeak | 610 | 30.4% |
| Augustpeak | 490 | 24.4% |
| September | 207 | 10.3% |
| October | 49 | 2.4% |
| November | 45 | 2.2% |
| December | 39 | 1.9% |
Bighorn Sheep you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Bighorn Sheep | 2,008 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Montana
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when bighorn sheep are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for bighorn sheep 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.
More on bighorn sheep in Montana:
Sightings of bighorn sheep in Montana peak in July, when 610 of the year's 2,008 verified observations are logged — about 30.4% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, August and June.
The quietest stretch is February, December and January, when bighorn sheep are hardest to find — February sees just 30 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The bighorn sheep you are most likely to encounter in Montana are Bighorn Sheep — 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 bighorn sheep 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
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see bighorn sheep in Montana?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, August and June, based on 2,008 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are bighorn sheep hardest to see in Montana?+
February is the quietest month for bighorn sheep in Montana, with only 30 verified records.
Are bighorn sheep active year-round in Montana?+
Bighorn sheep 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 bighorn sheep
More wildlife in Montana