Best Time to See Squirrels in Alaska
June, July and August is the best time to see squirrels in Alaska. Based on 4,733 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when squirrels are most active across the year in Alaska.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
Arctic Ground Squirrel · Public domain CC0
Arctic Ground Squirrel · Matt Muir CC BY
Alaska Marmot · Eli Gross CC BY
4,733 verified observations of squirrels in Alaska, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When squirrels are recorded in Alaska
Peak month
June
1,205 records (25.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 67 | 1.4% |
| February | 64 | 1.4% |
| March | 110 | 2.3% |
| April | 158 | 3.3% |
| May | 508 | 10.7% |
| Junepeak | 1,205 | 25.5% |
| Julypeak | 1,111 | 23.5% |
| Augustpeak | 908 | 19.2% |
| September | 368 | 7.8% |
| October | 110 | 2.3% |
| November | 84 | 1.8% |
| December | 40 | 0.8% |
Squirrels you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American Red Squirrel | 2,487 |
| Arctic Ground Squirrel | 1,649 |
| Hoary Marmot | 511 |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | 28 |
| Alaska Marmot | 23 |
| Groundhog | 16 |
| Least Chipmunk | 1 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Alaska
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when squirrels are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for squirrels sit around 50 to 69 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 20°F | 11°F | 1.8" |
| Feb | 24°F | 14°F | 2.4" |
| Mar | 33°F | 19°F | 1.7" |
| Apr | 44°F | 27°F | 1.3" |
| May | 58°F | 41°F | 1.8" |
| Junbest time | 67°F | 50°F | 1.2" |
| Julbest time | 69°F | 54°F | 3.5" |
| Augbest time | 66°F | 52°F | 4.5" |
| Sep | 55°F | 43°F | 5.2" |
| Oct | 42°F | 32°F | 3.7" |
| Nov | 27°F | 18°F | 3.6" |
| Dec | 22°F | 12°F | 3.1" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Alaska. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on squirrels in Alaska:
Sightings of squirrels in Alaska peak in June, when 1,205 of the year's 4,733 verified observations are logged — about 25.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, July and August.
The quietest stretch is December, when squirrels are hardest to find — December sees just 40 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The squirrels you are most likely to encounter in Alaska are American Red Squirrel, Arctic Ground Squirrel and Hoary Marmot — 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 squirrels in Alaska
- Alagnak Wild River — Wild River
- Aleutian Islands World War II National Historic Area — National Historic Area
- Aniakchak National Monument & Preserve — National Monument & Preserve
- Bering Land Bridge National Preserve — National Preserve
- Cape Krusenstern National Monument — National Monument
- Denali National Park & Preserve — National Park & Preserve
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see squirrels in Alaska?+
June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, July and August, based on 4,733 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are squirrels hardest to see in Alaska?+
December is the quietest month for squirrels in Alaska, with only 40 verified records.
Are squirrels active year-round in Alaska?+
Squirrels are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Alaska, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in June.
More places to see squirrels
More wildlife in Alaska