Best Time to See Coyotes in Tennessee

March, February and January is the best time to see coyotes in Tennessee. Based on 1,111 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when coyotes are most active across the year in Tennessee.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.

Coyote photographed in Tennessee

Coyote · juniper_likethetree CC BY

Coyote photographed in Tennessee

Coyote · Jay Brasher CC BY

Coyote photographed in Tennessee

Coyote · juniper_likethetree CC BY

Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Best months: March, February, January

1,111 verified observations of coyotes in Tennessee, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When coyotes are recorded in Tennessee

Peak month

March

133 records (12% of the year)

Quietest month

July

62 records

MonthObservationsShare
Januarypeak11510.4%
Februarypeak11910.7%
Marchpeak13312%
April11210.1%
May988.8%
June797.1%
July625.6%
August726.5%
September918.2%
October766.8%
November877.8%
December676%

Coyotes you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Coyote1,111

Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo

Typical weather in Tennessee

Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when coyotes are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for coyotes sit around 33 to 62 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.

MonthAvg highAvg lowRain
Janbest time49°F33°F6"
Febbest time54°F36°F7.3"
Marbest time62°F42°F7.5"
Apr68°F48°F4.7"
May77°F58°F5.3"
Jun84°F65°F6.2"
Jul87°F70°F7.4"
Aug86°F69°F8.3"
Sep82°F64°F3.2"
Oct72°F53°F4.8"
Nov59°F41°F2.9"
Dec54°F38°F5.9"

Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Tennessee. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.

More on coyotes in Tennessee:

Sightings of coyotes in Tennessee peak in March, when 133 of the year's 1,111 verified observations are logged — about 12% of the annual total. Activity stays high through March, February and January.

The quietest stretch is July, December and August, when coyotes are hardest to find — July sees just 62 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.

The coyotes you are most likely to encounter in Tennessee are Coyote — 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 coyotes in Tennessee

  • Appalachian National Scenic TrailNational Scenic Trail
  • Big South Fork National River & Recreation AreaNational River & Recreation Area
  • Cumberland Gap National Historical ParkNational Historical Park
  • Great Smoky Mountains National ParkNational Park
  • Natchez Trace ParkwayParkway
  • Obed Wild & Scenic RiverWild & Scenic River

Gear to see them

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to see coyotes in Tennessee?+

March is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through March, February and January, based on 1,111 verified iNaturalist observations.

When are coyotes hardest to see in Tennessee?+

July is the quietest month for coyotes in Tennessee, with only 62 verified records.

Are coyotes active year-round in Tennessee?+

Coyotes are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Tennessee, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in March.