Best Time to See Coyotes in Montana
May, July and September is the best time to see coyotes in Montana. Based on 436 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when coyotes 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.
436 verified observations of coyotes in Montana, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When coyotes are recorded in Montana
Peak month
May
68 records (15.6% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 27 | 6.2% |
| February | 28 | 6.4% |
| March | 27 | 6.2% |
| April | 34 | 7.8% |
| Maypeak | 68 | 15.6% |
| June | 43 | 9.9% |
| Julypeak | 45 | 10.3% |
| August | 28 | 6.4% |
| Septemberpeak | 45 | 10.3% |
| October | 33 | 7.6% |
| November | 32 | 7.3% |
| December | 26 | 6% |
Coyotes you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Coyote | 436 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Montana
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when coyotes are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for coyotes sit around 36 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" |
| Maybest time | 53°F | 36°F | 3.5" |
| Jun | 65°F | 47°F | 3.2" |
| Julbest time | 75°F | 55°F | 2" |
| Aug | 74°F | 54°F | 1.7" |
| Sepbest time | 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 coyotes in Montana:
Sightings of coyotes in Montana peak in May, when 68 of the year's 436 verified observations are logged — about 15.6% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, July and September.
The quietest stretch is December, January and March, when coyotes are hardest to find — December sees just 26 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The coyotes you are most likely to encounter in Montana are Coyote — 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 coyotes 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 coyotes in Montana?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, July and September, based on 436 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are coyotes hardest to see in Montana?+
December is the quietest month for coyotes in Montana, with only 26 verified records.
Are coyotes active year-round in Montana?+
Coyotes are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Montana, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More places to see coyotes
More wildlife in Montana