Best Time to See Mountain Lions in Montana
January, March and November is the best time to see mountain lions in Montana. Based on 162 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when mountain lions 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 Lion · Stella CC BY
Mountain Lion · Stacy L. Jacobsen CC BY-ND
Mountain Lion · Kenzie Anderson-Bell CC BY
162 verified observations of mountain lions in Montana, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When mountain lions are recorded in Montana
Peak month
January
24 records (14.8% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 24 | 14.8% |
| February | 11 | 6.8% |
| Marchpeak | 19 | 11.7% |
| April | 14 | 8.6% |
| May | 10 | 6.2% |
| June | 14 | 8.6% |
| July | 6 | 3.7% |
| August | 12 | 7.4% |
| September | 10 | 6.2% |
| October | 8 | 4.9% |
| Novemberpeak | 18 | 11.1% |
| December | 16 | 9.9% |
Mountain Lions you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Mountain Lion | 162 |
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 lions are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for mountain lions sit around 17 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Janbest time | 29°F | 17°F | 1" |
| Feb | 22°F | 9°F | 1.5" |
| Marbest time | 33°F | 18°F | 1.1" |
| Apr | 40°F | 24°F | 2.3" |
| May | 53°F | 36°F | 3.5" |
| Jun | 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" |
| Novbest time | 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 mountain lions in Montana peak in January, when 24 of the year's 162 verified observations are logged — about 14.8% of the annual total. Activity stays high through January, March and November.
The quietest stretch is July and October, when mountain lions are hardest to find — July sees just 6 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The mountain lions you are most likely to encounter in Montana are Mountain Lion — 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 lions 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 lions in Montana?+
January is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through January, March and November, based on 162 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are mountain lions hardest to see in Montana?+
July is the quietest month for mountain lions in Montana, with only 6 verified records.
Are mountain lions active year-round in Montana?+
Mountain lions are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Montana, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in January.
More places to see mountain lions
More wildlife in Montana