Best Time to See Bison in Montana
July, August and June is the best time to see bison in Montana. Based on 4,514 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when bison 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.
4,514 verified observations of bison in Montana, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When bison are recorded in Montana
Peak month
July
1,523 records (33.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 75 | 1.7% |
| February | 57 | 1.3% |
| March | 87 | 1.9% |
| April | 116 | 2.6% |
| May | 265 | 5.9% |
| Junepeak | 614 | 13.6% |
| Julypeak | 1,523 | 33.7% |
| Augustpeak | 1,105 | 24.5% |
| September | 464 | 10.3% |
| October | 106 | 2.3% |
| November | 54 | 1.2% |
| December | 48 | 1.1% |
Bison you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Bighorn Sheep | 2,008 |
| Mountain Goat | 1,818 |
| American Bison | 649 |
| Domestic Cattle | 21 |
| Domestic Goat | 1 |
Sightings of bison in Montana peak in July, when 1,523 of the year's 4,514 verified observations are logged — about 33.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, August and June.
The quietest stretch is December, November and February, when bison are hardest to find — December sees just 48 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The bison you are most likely to encounter in Montana are Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat and American Bison — 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 bison 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
Tours and experiences nearby
Viator
Book a bison tour in Montana
Guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences, with free cancellation on most.
Booking.com
Stay near Big Hole National Battlefield
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best bison viewing in Montana.
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see bison in Montana?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, August and June, based on 4,514 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are bison hardest to see in Montana?+
December is the quietest month for bison in Montana, with only 48 verified records.
Are bison active year-round in Montana?+
Bison 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 bison
More wildlife in Montana