Best Time to See Mountain Lions in Nevada
May, June and August is the best time to see mountain lions in Nevada. Based on 120 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when mountain lions are most active across the year in Nevada.
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 · Sierra CC BY
Mountain Lion · Sam Eberhard CC BY
Mountain Lion · Ciara Hall CC BY
120 verified observations of mountain lions in Nevada, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When mountain lions are recorded in Nevada
Peak month
May
17 records (14.2% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6 | 5% |
| February | 3 | 2.5% |
| March | 9 | 7.5% |
| April | 8 | 6.7% |
| Maypeak | 17 | 14.2% |
| Junepeak | 15 | 12.5% |
| July | 11 | 9.2% |
| Augustpeak | 14 | 11.7% |
| September | 5 | 4.2% |
| October | 7 | 5.8% |
| November | 14 | 11.7% |
| December | 11 | 9.2% |
Mountain Lions you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Mountain Lion | 120 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Nevada
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when mountain lions are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for mountain lions sit around 39 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31°F | 16°F | 1.2" |
| Feb | 32°F | 16°F | 0.9" |
| Mar | 37°F | 21°F | 1.6" |
| Apr | 51°F | 31°F | 0.6" |
| Maybest time | 60°F | 39°F | 1.1" |
| Junbest time | 72°F | 50°F | 0.3" |
| Jul | 82°F | 59°F | 0.3" |
| Augbest time | 79°F | 57°F | 1.2" |
| Sep | 71°F | 50°F | 0.6" |
| Oct | 57°F | 36°F | 0.2" |
| Nov | 44°F | 26°F | 0.8" |
| Dec | 33°F | 18°F | 1.2" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Nevada. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of mountain lions in Nevada peak in May, when 17 of the year's 120 verified observations are logged — about 14.2% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, June and August.
The quietest stretch is February, when mountain lions are hardest to find — February sees just 3 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The mountain lions you are most likely to encounter in Nevada are Mountain Lion — 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 mountain lions in Nevada
- Death Valley National Park — National Park
- Great Basin National Park — National Park
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument — National Monument
- California National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Old Spanish National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see mountain lions in Nevada?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, June and August, based on 120 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are mountain lions hardest to see in Nevada?+
February is the quietest month for mountain lions in Nevada, with only 3 verified records.
Are mountain lions active year-round in Nevada?+
Mountain lions are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Nevada, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More places to see mountain lions
More wildlife in Nevada