Best Time to See Mountain Lions in Texas
November, December and May is the best time to see mountain lions in Texas. Based on 100 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when mountain lions are most active across the year in Texas.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
100 verified observations of mountain lions in Texas, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When mountain lions are recorded in Texas
Peak month
November
16 records (16% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6 | 6% |
| February | 7 | 7% |
| March | 8 | 8% |
| April | 5 | 5% |
| Maypeak | 12 | 12% |
| June | 11 | 11% |
| July | 5 | 5% |
| August | 6 | 6% |
| September | 1 | 1% |
| October | 9 | 9% |
| Novemberpeak | 16 | 16% |
| Decemberpeak | 14 | 14% |
Mountain Lions you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Mountain Lion | 100 |
Sightings of mountain lions in Texas peak in November, when 16 of the year's 100 verified observations are logged — about 16% of the annual total. Activity stays high through November, December and May.
The quietest stretch is September, when mountain lions are hardest to find — September sees just 1 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 Texas 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 Texas
- Amistad National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Big Bend National Park — National Park
- Big Thicket National Preserve — National Preserve
- Chamizal National Memorial — National Memorial
- Fort Davis National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park — National Park
Tours and experiences nearby
Viator
Book a mountain lion tour in Texas
Guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences, with free cancellation on most.
Booking.com
Stay near Amistad National Recreation Area
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best mountain lion viewing in Texas.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see mountain lions in Texas?+
November is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through November, December and May, based on 100 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are mountain lions hardest to see in Texas?+
September is the quietest month for mountain lions in Texas, with only 1 verified records.
Are mountain lions active year-round in Texas?+
Mountain lions are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Texas, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in November.