Best Time to See Mountain Lions in Wisconsin
November is the best time to see mountain lions in Wisconsin. Based on 1 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when mountain lions are most active across the year in Wisconsin.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
1 verified observations of mountain lions in Wisconsin, recorded across 1 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When mountain lions are recorded in Wisconsin
Peak month
November
1 records (100% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 0 | 0% |
| April | 0 | 0% |
| May | 0 | 0% |
| June | 0 | 0% |
| July | 0 | 0% |
| August | 0 | 0% |
| September | 0 | 0% |
| October | 0 | 0% |
| Novemberpeak | 1 | 100% |
| December | 0 | 0% |
Mountain Lions you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Mountain Lion | 1 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Wisconsin
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 27 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 25°F | 10°F | 1.4" |
| Feb | 25°F | 7°F | 2" |
| Mar | 40°F | 21°F | 2.7" |
| Apr | 52°F | 32°F | 3.9" |
| May | 65°F | 45°F | 3.4" |
| Jun | 77°F | 57°F | 3.8" |
| Jul | 80°F | 61°F | 3.5" |
| Aug | 77°F | 60°F | 3.5" |
| Sep | 70°F | 53°F | 3" |
| Oct | 55°F | 40°F | 3.3" |
| Novbest time | 41°F | 27°F | 2.4" |
| Dec | 32°F | 17°F | 1.9" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Wisconsin. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of mountain lions in Wisconsin peak in November, when 1 of the year's 1 verified observations are logged — about 100% of the annual total.
The quietest stretch is January, February and March, when mountain lions are hardest to find — no verified records exist for January. 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
- Apostle Islands National Lakeshore — National Lakeshore
- Ice Age National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- North Country National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway — National Scenic Riverway
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see mountain lions in Wisconsin?+
November is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through November, based on 1 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are mountain lions hardest to see in Wisconsin?+
January is the quietest month for mountain lions in Wisconsin, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are mountain lions active year-round in Wisconsin?+
Mountain lions are recorded in 1 of 12 months in Wisconsin, concentrated around November.
More places to see mountain lions
More wildlife in Wisconsin