Best Time to See Bison in North Dakota
July, June and August is the best time to see bison in North Dakota. Based on 1,277 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when bison are most active across the year in North Dakota.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
American Bison · Marilynn Miller CC BY
American Bison · James M. Maley CC BY
American Bison · Public domain CC0
1,277 verified observations of bison in North Dakota, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When bison are recorded in North Dakota
Peak month
July
293 records (22.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 14 | 1.1% |
| February | 4 | 0.3% |
| March | 21 | 1.6% |
| April | 34 | 2.7% |
| May | 158 | 12.4% |
| Junepeak | 268 | 21% |
| Julypeak | 293 | 22.9% |
| Augustpeak | 249 | 19.5% |
| September | 143 | 11.2% |
| October | 45 | 3.5% |
| November | 31 | 2.4% |
| December | 17 | 1.3% |
Bison you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American Bison | 1,277 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in North Dakota
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when bison are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for bison sit around 57 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 21°F | 6°F | 0.7" |
| Feb | 18°F | 1°F | 0.7" |
| Mar | 34°F | 17°F | 0.7" |
| Apr | 46°F | 28°F | 2.1" |
| May | 64°F | 43°F | 2.3" |
| Junbest time | 77°F | 57°F | 2.8" |
| Julbest time | 80°F | 61°F | 2" |
| Augbest time | 79°F | 60°F | 2" |
| Sep | 71°F | 52°F | 2.3" |
| Oct | 51°F | 36°F | 2.4" |
| Nov | 37°F | 23°F | 1" |
| Dec | 25°F | 11°F | 1.2" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for North Dakota. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on bison in North Dakota:
Sightings of bison in North Dakota peak in July, when 293 of the year's 1,277 verified observations are logged — about 22.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, June and August.
The quietest stretch is February, when bison are hardest to find — February sees just 4 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The bison you are most likely to encounter in North Dakota are American Bison — 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 bison in North Dakota
- Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- North Country National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park — National Park
- Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site — National Historic Site
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see bison in North Dakota?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, June and August, based on 1,277 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are bison hardest to see in North Dakota?+
February is the quietest month for bison in North Dakota, with only 4 verified records.
Are bison active year-round in North Dakota?+
Bison are recorded in 12 of 12 months in North Dakota, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in July.
More places to see bison
More wildlife in North Dakota