Best Time to See Coyotes in Washington

May, April and January is the best time to see coyotes in Washington. Based on 3,122 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when coyotes are most active across the year in Washington.

T

By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.

Coyote photographed in WashingtonCoyote photographed in WashingtonCoyote photographed in Washington
Photos by iNaturalist observers, used under Creative Commons.
Best months: May, April, January

3,122 verified observations of coyotes in Washington, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When coyotes are recorded in Washington

Peak month

May

384 records (12.3% of the year)

Quietest month

December

189 records

MonthObservationsShare
Januarypeak2718.7%
February2518%
March2668.5%
Aprilpeak32810.5%
Maypeak38412.3%
June2698.6%
July2698.6%
August2187%
September2487.9%
October2377.6%
November1926.1%
December1896.1%

Coyotes you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Coyote3,122

Sightings of coyotes in Washington peak in May, when 384 of the year's 3,122 verified observations are logged β€” about 12.3% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, April and January.

The quietest stretch is December, November and August, when coyotes are hardest to find β€” December sees just 189 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 Washington are Coyote β€” 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 Washington

  • Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve β€” National Historical Reserve
  • Fort Vancouver National Historic Site β€” National Historic Site
  • Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail β€” National Historic Trail
  • Lewis and Clark National Historical Park β€” National Historical Park
  • Mount Rainier National Park β€” National Park
  • Nez Perce National Historical Park β€” National Historical Park
Plan your tripEbey's Landing National Historical Reserve

Plan your coyote trip in Washington

Start with live tours near Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.

Gear to see them

Frequently asked questions

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

May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, April and January, based on 3,122 verified iNaturalist observations.

When are coyotes hardest to see in Washington?+

December is the quietest month for coyotes in Washington, with only 189 verified records.

Are coyotes active year-round in Washington?+

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