Best Time to See Otters in Wyoming
September, August and July is the best time to see otters in Wyoming. Based on 191 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when otters are most active across the year in Wyoming.
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 River Otter · Jeff Young CC BY
North American River Otter · Guy Babineau CC BY
North American River Otter · Northcut CC BY
191 verified observations of otters in Wyoming, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When otters are recorded in Wyoming
Peak month
September
37 records (19.4% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 12 | 6.3% |
| February | 8 | 4.2% |
| March | 5 | 2.6% |
| April | 4 | 2.1% |
| May | 22 | 11.5% |
| June | 20 | 10.5% |
| Julypeak | 25 | 13.1% |
| Augustpeak | 32 | 16.8% |
| Septemberpeak | 37 | 19.4% |
| October | 17 | 8.9% |
| November | 1 | 0.5% |
| December | 8 | 4.2% |
Otters you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| North American River Otter | 191 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Wyoming
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when otters are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for otters sit around 50 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27°F | 15°F | 0.9" |
| Feb | 25°F | 9°F | 0.7" |
| Mar | 35°F | 19°F | 1.6" |
| Apr | 45°F | 26°F | 1.9" |
| May | 60°F | 40°F | 2.3" |
| Jun | 74°F | 52°F | 1.7" |
| Julbest time | 84°F | 60°F | 0.3" |
| Augbest time | 82°F | 58°F | 0.9" |
| Sepbest time | 72°F | 50°F | 0.8" |
| Oct | 51°F | 33°F | 1.9" |
| Nov | 40°F | 24°F | 0.7" |
| Dec | 30°F | 17°F | 0.5" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Wyoming. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on otters in Wyoming:
Sightings of otters in Wyoming peak in September, when 37 of the year's 191 verified observations are logged — about 19.4% of the annual total. Activity stays high through September, August and July.
The quietest stretch is November, when otters are hardest to find — November sees just 1 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The otters you are most likely to encounter in Wyoming are North American River Otter — 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 otters in Wyoming
- Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Devils Tower National Monument — National Monument
- Fossil Butte National Monument — National Monument
- Grand Teton National Park — National Park
- Yellowstone National Park — National Park
- California National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see otters in Wyoming?+
September is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through September, August and July, based on 191 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are otters hardest to see in Wyoming?+
November is the quietest month for otters in Wyoming, with only 1 verified records.
Are otters active year-round in Wyoming?+
Otters are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Wyoming, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in September.
More places to see otters
More wildlife in Wyoming