Best Time to See Mountain Lions in Washington
April, March and July is the best time to see mountain lions in Washington. Based on 480 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when mountain lions are most active across the year in Washington.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
North American Mountain Lion · Jeff Bartlett CC BY
North American Mountain Lion · Old Goat CC BY-SA
North American Mountain Lion · RJ Baltierra CC BY
480 verified observations of mountain lions in Washington, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When mountain lions are recorded in Washington
Peak month
April
53 records (11% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32 | 6.7% |
| February | 41 | 8.5% |
| Marchpeak | 51 | 10.6% |
| Aprilpeak | 53 | 11% |
| May | 45 | 9.4% |
| June | 43 | 9% |
| Julypeak | 46 | 9.6% |
| August | 26 | 5.4% |
| September | 38 | 7.9% |
| October | 34 | 7.1% |
| November | 32 | 6.7% |
| December | 39 | 8.1% |
Mountain Lions you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Mountain Lion | 480 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Washington
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 28 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 35°F | 24°F | 4.5" |
| Feb | 36°F | 22°F | 2.8" |
| Marbest time | 46°F | 28°F | 1.2" |
| Aprbest time | 56°F | 33°F | 1.3" |
| May | 67°F | 44°F | 1.2" |
| Jun | 76°F | 51°F | 0.9" |
| Julbest time | 86°F | 57°F | 0.2" |
| Aug | 86°F | 58°F | 0.3" |
| Sep | 74°F | 50°F | 1.1" |
| Oct | 59°F | 39°F | 1.7" |
| Nov | 42°F | 29°F | 3.6" |
| Dec | 33°F | 23°F | 3.6" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Washington. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of mountain lions in Washington peak in April, when 53 of the year's 480 verified observations are logged — about 11% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, March and July.
The quietest stretch is August, January and November, when mountain lions are hardest to find — August sees just 26 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 Washington 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 Washington
- Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve — National Historical Reserve
- Fort Vancouver National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Lewis and Clark National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Mount Rainier National Park — National Park
- Nez Perce National Historical Park — National Historical Park
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see mountain lions in Washington?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, March and July, based on 480 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are mountain lions hardest to see in Washington?+
August is the quietest month for mountain lions in Washington, with only 26 verified records.
Are mountain lions active year-round in Washington?+
Mountain lions are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Washington, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More places to see mountain lions
More wildlife in Washington