Best Time to See Owls in Montana
May, June and July is the best time to see owls in Montana. Based on 1,703 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when owls 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 30, 2026.
1,703 verified observations of owls in Montana, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When owls are recorded in Montana
Peak month
May
280 records (16.4% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 122 | 7.2% |
| February | 140 | 8.2% |
| March | 135 | 7.9% |
| April | 143 | 8.4% |
| Maypeak | 280 | 16.4% |
| Junepeak | 235 | 13.8% |
| Julypeak | 169 | 9.9% |
| August | 146 | 8.6% |
| September | 114 | 6.7% |
| October | 75 | 4.4% |
| November | 71 | 4.2% |
| December | 73 | 4.3% |
Owls you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Great Horned Owl | 658 |
| Short-eared Owl | 202 |
| Burrowing Owl | 193 |
| Great Gray Owl | 152 |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | 90 |
| Northern Pygmy-Owl | 86 |
| Long-eared Owl | 74 |
| Snowy Owl | 67 |
Sightings of owls in Montana peak in May, when 280 of the year's 1,703 verified observations are logged — about 16.4% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, June and July.
The quietest stretch is November, December and October, when owls are hardest to find — November sees just 71 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The owls you are most likely to encounter in Montana are Great Horned Owl, Short-eared Owl and Burrowing Owl — 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 owls 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 owl 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 owl viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Big Hole National Battlefield
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best owl viewing area in Montana.
Viator
Broader backupBook a owl 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 owls in Montana?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, June and July, based on 1,703 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are owls hardest to see in Montana?+
November is the quietest month for owls in Montana, with only 71 verified records.
Are owls active year-round in Montana?+
Owls 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 owls
More wildlife in Montana