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.
Mountain Lion · Sam Kieschnick CC BY
Mountain Lion · Cassie Kay CC BY-ND
Mountain Lion · Cassie Kay CC BY-ND
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 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Texas
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 44 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 60°F | 39°F | 0.9" |
| Feb | 60°F | 38°F | 1" |
| Mar | 71°F | 49°F | 1.7" |
| Apr | 78°F | 56°F | 1.6" |
| Maybest time | 85°F | 64°F | 5.1" |
| Jun | 93°F | 72°F | 1.7" |
| Jul | 96°F | 75°F | 0.9" |
| Aug | 96°F | 75°F | 1.2" |
| Sep | 89°F | 69°F | 1.7" |
| Oct | 80°F | 58°F | 2" |
| Novbest time | 67°F | 48°F | 1.1" |
| Decbest time | 64°F | 44°F | 1.2" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Texas. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on mountain lions in Texas:
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
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.
More places to see mountain lions
More wildlife in Texas