Best Time to See Pelicans in Alabama
April, November and December is the best time to see pelicans in Alabama. Based on 2,329 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when pelicans are most active across the year in Alabama.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Brown Pelican · Richard Lyon CC BY
Eastern Brown Pelican · Jay Brasher CC BY
Brown Pelican · Lauren McLaurin CC BY
2,329 verified observations of pelicans in Alabama, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in Alabama
Peak month
April
290 records (12.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 237 | 10.2% |
| February | 199 | 8.5% |
| March | 220 | 9.4% |
| Aprilpeak | 290 | 12.5% |
| May | 202 | 8.7% |
| June | 164 | 7% |
| July | 107 | 4.6% |
| August | 102 | 4.4% |
| September | 132 | 5.7% |
| October | 182 | 7.8% |
| Novemberpeak | 253 | 10.9% |
| Decemberpeak | 241 | 10.3% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Brown Pelican | 1,754 |
| American White Pelican | 572 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Alabama
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when pelicans are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for pelicans sit around 44 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 57°F | 40°F | 5.4" |
| Feb | 63°F | 45°F | 6.3" |
| Mar | 69°F | 50°F | 6" |
| Aprbest time | 75°F | 54°F | 4.9" |
| May | 83°F | 62°F | 3.8" |
| Jun | 88°F | 70°F | 5.8" |
| Jul | 91°F | 73°F | 4.5" |
| Aug | 91°F | 73°F | 4.4" |
| Sep | 87°F | 68°F | 3.1" |
| Oct | 76°F | 58°F | 3.9" |
| Novbest time | 65°F | 47°F | 3.2" |
| Decbest time | 60°F | 44°F | 4.8" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Alabama. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of pelicans in Alabama peak in April, when 290 of the year's 2,329 verified observations are logged — about 12.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, November and December.
The quietest stretch is August, July and September, when pelicans are hardest to find — August sees just 102 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The pelicans you are most likely to encounter in Alabama are Brown Pelican and American White Pelican — 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 pelicans in Alabama
- Horseshoe Bend National Military Park — National Military Park
- Little River Canyon National Preserve — National Preserve
- Natchez Trace Parkway — Parkway
- Russell Cave National Monument — National Monument
- Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument — National Monument
- Freedom Riders National Monument — National Monument
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see pelicans in Alabama?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, November and December, based on 2,329 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are pelicans hardest to see in Alabama?+
August is the quietest month for pelicans in Alabama, with only 102 verified records.
Are pelicans active year-round in Alabama?+
Pelicans are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Alabama, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in Alabama