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 |
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
Plan your coyote 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 coyote viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Big Hole National Battlefield
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best coyote viewing area in Montana.
Viator
Broader backupBook a coyote tour in Montana
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
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