Best Time to See Mountain Goats in Montana
July, August and June is the best time to see mountain goats in Montana. Based on 1,818 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when mountain goats 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.
Mountain Goat · Tom Field CC BY
Mountain Goat · Tom Field CC BY
Mountain Goat · Harrison J Elkins CC BY
1,818 verified observations of mountain goats in Montana, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When mountain goats are recorded in Montana
Peak month
July
804 records (44.2% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 11 | 0.6% |
| February | 5 | 0.3% |
| March | 11 | 0.6% |
| April | 16 | 0.9% |
| May | 49 | 2.7% |
| Junepeak | 219 | 12% |
| Julypeak | 804 | 44.2% |
| Augustpeak | 512 | 28.2% |
| September | 162 | 8.9% |
| October | 24 | 1.3% |
| November | 4 | 0.2% |
| December | 1 | 0.1% |
Mountain Goats you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Mountain Goat | 1,818 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Montana
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when mountain goats are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for mountain goats sit around 47 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" |
| May | 53°F | 36°F | 3.5" |
| Junbest time | 65°F | 47°F | 3.2" |
| Julbest time | 75°F | 55°F | 2" |
| Augbest time | 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.
More on mountain goats in Montana:
Sightings of mountain goats in Montana peak in July, when 804 of the year's 1,818 verified observations are logged — about 44.2% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, August and June.
The quietest stretch is December, when mountain goats are hardest to find — December sees just 1 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The mountain goats you are most likely to encounter in Montana are Mountain Goat — 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 mountain goats 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 mountain goats in Montana?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, August and June, based on 1,818 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are mountain goats hardest to see in Montana?+
December is the quietest month for mountain goats in Montana, with only 1 verified records.
Are mountain goats active year-round in Montana?+
Mountain goats are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Montana, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in July.
More places to see mountain goats
More wildlife in Montana