Best Time to See Raccoons in Montana
August, July and September is the best time to see raccoons in Montana. Based on 235 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when raccoons 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 2, 2026.
235 verified observations of raccoons in Montana, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When raccoons are recorded in Montana
Peak month
August
34 records (14.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 17 | 7.2% |
| February | 10 | 4.3% |
| March | 15 | 6.4% |
| April | 12 | 5.1% |
| May | 24 | 10.2% |
| June | 27 | 11.5% |
| Julypeak | 30 | 12.8% |
| Augustpeak | 34 | 14.5% |
| Septemberpeak | 28 | 11.9% |
| October | 19 | 8.1% |
| November | 7 | 3% |
| December | 12 | 5.1% |
Raccoons you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Common Raccoon | 235 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Montana
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when raccoons are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for raccoons sit around 46 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" |
| Jun | 65°F | 47°F | 3.2" |
| Julbest time | 75°F | 55°F | 2" |
| Augbest time | 74°F | 54°F | 1.7" |
| Sepbest time | 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 raccoons in Montana:
Sightings of raccoons in Montana peak in August, when 34 of the year's 235 verified observations are logged — about 14.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through August, July and September.
The quietest stretch is November and February, when raccoons are hardest to find — November sees just 7 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The raccoons you are most likely to encounter in Montana are Common Raccoon — 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 raccoons 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 raccoons in Montana?+
August is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through August, July and September, based on 235 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are raccoons hardest to see in Montana?+
November is the quietest month for raccoons in Montana, with only 7 verified records.
Are raccoons active year-round in Montana?+
Raccoons are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Montana, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in August.
More places to see raccoons
More wildlife in Montana