Mountain Lions in Montana in November

Yes, November is one of the best months to see mountain lions in Montana. It is the 3rd busiest month of the year, with 18 of the 162 sightings logged across the year (11.1%), based on verified iNaturalist records.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.

North American Mountain Lion photographed in MontanaMountain Lion photographed in MontanaMountain Lion photographed in Montana
Photos by iNaturalist observers, used under Creative Commons.

Peak month for mountain lions in Montana

11.1%

of yearly sightings

18

records in November

#3

busiest month of 12

162

verified records a year

October 4.9%, November 11.1%, December 9.9%. Busiest month is January at 14.8%.

Best months: January, March, November

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)

Quietest month

July

6 records

MonthObservationsShare
Januarypeak2414.8%
February116.8%
Marchpeak1911.7%
April148.6%
May106.2%
June148.6%
July63.7%
August127.4%
September106.2%
October84.9%
Novemberpeak1811.1%
December169.9%

Mountain Lions you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Mountain Lion162

In Montana, November carries 11.1% of the year's mountain lions sightings, about 2.8 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 3rd busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.

Activity is rising from October (4.9%) into November, and it heads toward December (9.9%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so November is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.

The mountain lions most often recorded in Montana are Mountain Lion. Those counts are annual totals rather than a November split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in November itself.

Which mountain lions you are most likely to see

  • Mountain Lion162 records
Plan your tripBig Hole National Battlefield

Plan your mountain lion 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.

Frequently asked questions

Can you see mountain lions in Montana in November?+

Yes. November accounts for 18 of the 162 verified mountain lions sightings logged in Montana across the year, which is 11.1% of the annual total.

Is November a good time to see mountain lions in Montana?+

November is one of the best months. It ranks 3rd of the year and sits inside the peak window of January, March and November.

What month is best for mountain lions in Montana?+

January is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through January, March and November, based on 162 verified observations.

Which mountain lions are you most likely to see in Montana?+

The most-recorded species in Montana are Mountain Lion, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.