Elk in Wyoming in May
Yes, May is a good month to see elk in Wyoming. It is the 5th busiest month of the year, with 768 of the 6,388 sightings logged across the year (12%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Good month for elk in Wyoming
12%
of yearly sightings
768
records in May
#5
busiest month of 12
6,388
verified records a year
April 2%, May 12%, June 20.1%. Busiest month is July at 21%.
6,388 verified observations of elk in Wyoming, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When elk are recorded in Wyoming
Peak month
July
1,342 records (21% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 103 | 1.6% |
| February | 189 | 3% |
| March | 99 | 1.5% |
| April | 130 | 2% |
| May | 768 | 12% |
| Junepeak | 1,282 | 20.1% |
| Julypeak | 1,342 | 21% |
| Augustpeak | 970 | 15.2% |
| September | 936 | 14.7% |
| October | 428 | 6.7% |
| November | 63 | 1% |
| December | 78 | 1.2% |
Elk you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Elk | 6,388 |
In Wyoming, May carries 12% of the year's elk sightings, about 3.7 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 5th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is rising from April (2%) into May, and it heads toward June (20.1%) after. The busiest month is July (21%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The elk most often recorded in Wyoming are Elk. Those counts are annual totals rather than a May split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in May itself.
Which elk you are most likely to see
- Elk6,388 records
Plan your elk trip in Wyoming
Start with live tours near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main elk viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best elk viewing area in Wyoming.
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Broader backupBook a elk tour in Wyoming
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see elk in Wyoming in May?+
Yes. May accounts for 768 of the 6,388 verified elk sightings logged in Wyoming across the year, which is 12% of the annual total.
Is May a good time to see elk in Wyoming?+
May is the 5th busiest month. It is workable, though July and June is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for elk in Wyoming?+
July is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through July, June and August, based on 6,388 verified observations.
Which elk are you most likely to see in Wyoming?+
The most-recorded species in Wyoming are Elk, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See elk in Wyoming in other months
More wildlife in Wyoming