Best Time to See Turkey Vultures in Montana
June, August and April is the best time to see turkey vultures in Montana. Based on 326 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when turkey vultures 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 20, 2026.
Antillean Turkey Vulture · Matthew Cozart CC BY-ND
Antillean Turkey Vulture · Matthew Cozart CC BY-ND
Antillean Turkey Vulture · Matthew Cozart CC BY-ND
326 verified observations of turkey vultures in Montana, recorded across 10 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When turkey vultures are recorded in Montana
Peak month
June
72 records (22.1% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1 | 0.3% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 10 | 3.1% |
| Aprilpeak | 48 | 14.7% |
| May | 44 | 13.5% |
| Junepeak | 72 | 22.1% |
| July | 42 | 12.9% |
| Augustpeak | 64 | 19.6% |
| September | 38 | 11.7% |
| October | 5 | 1.5% |
| November | 2 | 0.6% |
| December | 0 | 0% |
Turkey Vultures you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Turkey Vulture | 326 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Montana
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when turkey vultures are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for turkey vultures sit around 24 to 74 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" |
| Aprbest time | 40°F | 24°F | 2.3" |
| May | 53°F | 36°F | 3.5" |
| Junbest time | 65°F | 47°F | 3.2" |
| Jul | 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.
Sightings of turkey vultures in Montana peak in June, when 72 of the year's 326 verified observations are logged — about 22.1% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, August and April.
The quietest stretch is February, December and January, when turkey vultures are hardest to find — no verified records exist for February. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The turkey vultures you are most likely to encounter in Montana are Turkey Vulture — 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 turkey vultures 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 turkey vultures in Montana?+
June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, August and April, based on 326 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are turkey vultures hardest to see in Montana?+
February is the quietest month for turkey vultures in Montana, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are turkey vultures active year-round in Montana?+
Turkey vultures are recorded in 10 of 12 months in Montana, concentrated around June and August.
More wildlife in Montana