Best Time to See Owls in Wyoming
May, June and July is the best time to see owls in Wyoming. Based on 720 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when owls 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.
720 verified observations of owls in Wyoming, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When owls are recorded in Wyoming
Peak month
May
115 records (16% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 34 | 4.7% |
| February | 29 | 4% |
| March | 31 | 4.3% |
| April | 49 | 6.8% |
| Maypeak | 115 | 16% |
| Junepeak | 113 | 15.7% |
| Julypeak | 86 | 11.9% |
| August | 82 | 11.4% |
| September | 81 | 11.3% |
| October | 67 | 9.3% |
| November | 19 | 2.6% |
| December | 14 | 1.9% |
Owls you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Great Horned Owl | 367 |
| Great Gray Owl | 156 |
| Burrowing Owl | 49 |
| Northern Pygmy-Owl | 35 |
| Short-eared Owl | 28 |
| Long-eared Owl | 23 |
| Eastern Screech-Owl | 14 |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | 14 |
Sightings of owls in Wyoming peak in May, when 115 of the year's 720 verified observations are logged — about 16% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, June and July.
The quietest stretch is December and November, when owls are hardest to find — December sees just 14 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The owls you are most likely to encounter in Wyoming are Great Horned Owl, Great Gray Owl and Burrowing Owl — 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 owls 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
Plan your owl 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 owl viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best owl viewing area in Wyoming.
Viator
Broader backupBook a owl tour in Wyoming
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see owls in Wyoming?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, June and July, based on 720 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are owls hardest to see in Wyoming?+
December is the quietest month for owls in Wyoming, with only 14 verified records.
Are owls active year-round in Wyoming?+
Owls are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Wyoming, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More places to see owls
More wildlife in Wyoming