Best Time to See Squirrels in Montana
July, August and June is the best time to see squirrels in Montana. Based on 8,725 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when squirrels 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.
Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel · Josiah Londerée CC BY
Hoary Marmot · Karen Szafrajda CC BY
Eastern Fox Squirrel · Cole Wolf CC BY
8,725 verified observations of squirrels in Montana, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When squirrels are recorded in Montana
Peak month
July
2,330 records (26.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 114 | 1.3% |
| February | 107 | 1.2% |
| March | 273 | 3.1% |
| April | 452 | 5.2% |
| May | 791 | 9.1% |
| Junepeak | 1,777 | 20.4% |
| Julypeak | 2,330 | 26.7% |
| Augustpeak | 1,781 | 20.4% |
| September | 652 | 7.5% |
| October | 239 | 2.7% |
| November | 118 | 1.4% |
| December | 91 | 1% |
Squirrels you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Columbian Ground Squirrel | 2,038 |
| American Red Squirrel | 1,310 |
| Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel | 1,088 |
| Hoary Marmot | 856 |
| Eastern Fox Squirrel | 542 |
| Yellow-bellied Marmot | 456 |
| Yellow-pine Chipmunk | 406 |
| Black-tailed Prairie Dog | 368 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Montana
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when squirrels are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for squirrels 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 squirrels in Montana:
Sightings of squirrels in Montana peak in July, when 2,330 of the year's 8,725 verified observations are logged — about 26.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, August and June.
The quietest stretch is December, February and January, when squirrels are hardest to find — December sees just 91 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The squirrels you are most likely to encounter in Montana are Columbian Ground Squirrel, American Red Squirrel and Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel — 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 squirrels 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
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see squirrels in Montana?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, August and June, based on 8,725 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are squirrels hardest to see in Montana?+
December is the quietest month for squirrels in Montana, with only 91 verified records.
Are squirrels active year-round in Montana?+
Squirrels 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 squirrels
More wildlife in Montana