Best Time to See Bears in Utah
July, August and September is the best time to see bears in Utah. Based on 262 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when bears are most active across the year in Utah.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
American Black Bear · Public domain CC0
American Black Bear · Public domain CC0
American Black Bear · Aaron Allen CC BY
262 verified observations of bears in Utah, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When bears are recorded in Utah
Peak month
July
43 records (16.4% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 10 | 3.8% |
| February | 3 | 1.1% |
| March | 4 | 1.5% |
| April | 16 | 6.1% |
| May | 29 | 11.1% |
| June | 34 | 13% |
| Julypeak | 43 | 16.4% |
| Augustpeak | 42 | 16% |
| Septemberpeak | 42 | 16% |
| October | 20 | 7.6% |
| November | 15 | 5.7% |
| December | 4 | 1.5% |
Bears you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American Black Bear | 262 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Utah
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when bears are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for bears sit around 52 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 33°F | 19°F | 1.5" |
| Feb | 35°F | 20°F | 1.5" |
| Mar | 43°F | 27°F | 2.8" |
| Apr | 55°F | 33°F | 1.6" |
| May | 66°F | 42°F | 1.3" |
| Jun | 79°F | 53°F | 0.7" |
| Julbest time | 89°F | 62°F | 0.3" |
| Augbest time | 87°F | 61°F | 0.3" |
| Sepbest time | 78°F | 52°F | 0.6" |
| Oct | 62°F | 38°F | 1.1" |
| Nov | 48°F | 28°F | 1.3" |
| Dec | 36°F | 20°F | 2.6" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Utah. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of bears in Utah peak in July, when 43 of the year's 262 verified observations are logged — about 16.4% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, August and September.
The quietest stretch is February, March and December, when bears 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 bears you are most likely to encounter in Utah are American Black Bear — 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 bears in Utah
- Bryce Canyon National Park — National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park — National Park
- Cedar Breaks National Monument — National Monument
- Dinosaur National Monument — National Monument
- Zion National Park — National Park
- Arches National Park — National Park
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see bears in Utah?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, August and September, based on 262 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are bears hardest to see in Utah?+
February is the quietest month for bears in Utah, with only 3 verified records.
Are bears active year-round in Utah?+
Bears are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Utah, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in July.
More places to see bears
More wildlife in Utah