Best Time to See Hawks in Montana
May, August and June is the best time to see hawks in Montana. Based on 4,313 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when hawks 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.
4,313 verified observations of hawks in Montana, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When hawks are recorded in Montana
Peak month
May
537 records (12.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 328 | 7.6% |
| February | 280 | 6.5% |
| March | 240 | 5.6% |
| April | 348 | 8.1% |
| Maypeak | 537 | 12.5% |
| Junepeak | 508 | 11.8% |
| July | 455 | 10.5% |
| Augustpeak | 511 | 11.8% |
| September | 374 | 8.7% |
| October | 231 | 5.4% |
| November | 184 | 4.3% |
| December | 317 | 7.3% |
Hawks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Bald Eagle | 1,362 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 995 |
| Swainson's Hawk | 349 |
| Golden Eagle | 324 |
| Northern Harrier | 312 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 293 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 214 |
| Cooper's Hawk | 177 |
Sightings of hawks in Montana peak in May, when 537 of the year's 4,313 verified observations are logged — about 12.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, August and June.
The quietest stretch is November, October and March, when hawks are hardest to find — November sees just 184 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The hawks you are most likely to encounter in Montana are Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk and Swainson's Hawk — 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 hawks 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 hawk 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 hawk viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Big Hole National Battlefield
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best hawk viewing area in Montana.
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Broader backupBook a hawk 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 hawks in Montana?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, August and June, based on 4,313 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are hawks hardest to see in Montana?+
November is the quietest month for hawks in Montana, with only 184 verified records.
Are hawks active year-round in Montana?+
Hawks 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 hawks
More wildlife in Montana