Best Time to See Mallards in Montana
May, April and June is the best time to see mallards in Montana. Based on 1,436 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when mallards 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 July 20, 2026.
1,436 verified observations of mallards in Montana, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When mallards are recorded in Montana
Peak month
May
215 records (15% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 64 | 4.5% |
| February | 101 | 7% |
| March | 105 | 7.3% |
| Aprilpeak | 174 | 12.1% |
| Maypeak | 215 | 15% |
| Junepeak | 169 | 11.8% |
| July | 169 | 11.8% |
| August | 127 | 8.8% |
| September | 110 | 7.7% |
| October | 57 | 4% |
| November | 78 | 5.4% |
| December | 67 | 4.7% |
Mallards you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Mallard | 1,436 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Montana
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when mallards are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for mallards sit around 24 to 65 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" |
| Aprbest time | 40°F | 24°F | 2.3" |
| Maybest time | 53°F | 36°F | 3.5" |
| Junbest time | 65°F | 47°F | 3.2" |
| Jul | 75°F | 55°F | 2" |
| Aug | 74°F | 54°F | 1.7" |
| Sep | 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.
Sightings of mallards in Montana peak in May, when 215 of the year's 1,436 verified observations are logged — about 15% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, April and June.
The quietest stretch is October, January and December, when mallards are hardest to find — October sees just 57 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The mallards you are most likely to encounter in Montana are Mallard — 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 mallards 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
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see mallards in Montana?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, April and June, based on 1,436 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are mallards hardest to see in Montana?+
October is the quietest month for mallards in Montana, with only 57 verified records.
Are mallards active year-round in Montana?+
Mallards are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Montana, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More wildlife in Montana