Best Time to See Coyotes in West Virginia

February, September and April is the best time to see coyotes in West Virginia. Based on 278 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when coyotes are most active across the year in West Virginia.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.

Coyote photographed in West Virginia

Coyote · Matthew Gerke CC BY

Coyote photographed in West Virginia

Coyote · sblumen CC BY

Coyote photographed in West Virginia

Coyote · Matthew Gerke CC BY

Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Best months: February, September, April

278 verified observations of coyotes in West Virginia, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When coyotes are recorded in West Virginia

Peak month

February

35 records (12.6% of the year)

Quietest month

June

12 records

MonthObservationsShare
January259%
Februarypeak3512.6%
March238.3%
Aprilpeak3412.2%
May227.9%
June124.3%
July124.3%
August124.3%
Septemberpeak3512.6%
October279.7%
November227.9%
December196.8%

Coyotes you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Coyote278

Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo

Typical weather in West Virginia

Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when coyotes are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for coyotes sit around 28 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.

MonthAvg highAvg lowRain
Jan41°F26°F4.8"
Febbest time46°F28°F5.5"
Mar54°F34°F4.5"
Aprbest time61°F41°F4.4"
May69°F51°F6.5"
Jun76°F59°F5.3"
Jul81°F65°F5.1"
Aug78°F63°F4.9"
Sepbest time74°F57°F3.5"
Oct64°F48°F4.1"
Nov52°F35°F2.9"
Dec46°F31°F4.9"

Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for West Virginia. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.

Sightings of coyotes in West Virginia peak in February, when 35 of the year's 278 verified observations are logged — about 12.6% of the annual total. Activity stays high through February, September and April.

The quietest stretch is June, July and August, when coyotes are hardest to find — June sees just 12 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 West Virginia are Coyote — 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 West Virginia

  • Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
  • Bluestone National Scenic River — National Scenic River
  • Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park — National Historical Park
  • Chesapeake Bay
  • Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
  • New River Gorge National Park & Preserve — National Park & Preserve

Gear to see them

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to see coyotes in West Virginia?+

February is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through February, September and April, based on 278 verified iNaturalist observations.

When are coyotes hardest to see in West Virginia?+

June is the quietest month for coyotes in West Virginia, with only 12 verified records.

Are coyotes active year-round in West Virginia?+

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