Best Time to See Chipmunks in Montana
July, August and June is the best time to see chipmunks in Montana. Based on 8,725 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when chipmunks 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.
8,725 verified observations of chipmunks in Montana, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When chipmunks are recorded in Montana
Peak month
July
2,330 records (26.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 114 | 1.3% |
| February | 107 | 1.2% |
| March | 273 | 3.1% |
| April | 452 | 5.2% |
| May | 791 | 9.1% |
| Junepeak | 1,777 | 20.4% |
| Julypeak | 2,330 | 26.7% |
| Augustpeak | 1,781 | 20.4% |
| September | 652 | 7.5% |
| October | 239 | 2.7% |
| November | 118 | 1.4% |
| December | 91 | 1% |
Chipmunks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Columbian Ground Squirrel | 2,038 |
| American Red Squirrel | 1,310 |
| Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel | 1,088 |
| Hoary Marmot | 856 |
| Eastern Fox Squirrel | 542 |
| Yellow-bellied Marmot | 456 |
| Yellow-pine Chipmunk | 406 |
| Black-tailed Prairie Dog | 368 |
Sightings of chipmunks in Montana peak in July, when 2,330 of the year's 8,725 verified observations are logged — about 26.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, August and June.
The quietest stretch is December, February and January, when chipmunks are hardest to find — December sees just 91 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The chipmunks you are most likely to encounter in Montana are Columbian Ground Squirrel, American Red Squirrel and Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel — 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 chipmunks 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
Plan your chipmunk trip in Montana
Start with live tours near Big Hole National Battlefield, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Big Hole National Battlefield
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main chipmunk viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Big Hole National Battlefield
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best chipmunk viewing area in Montana.
Viator
Broader backupBook a chipmunk tour in Montana
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see chipmunks in Montana?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, August and June, based on 8,725 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are chipmunks hardest to see in Montana?+
December is the quietest month for chipmunks in Montana, with only 91 verified records.
Are chipmunks active year-round in Montana?+
Chipmunks are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Montana, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in July.
More wildlife in Montana