Best Time to See Mallards in Arizona
April, March and May is the best time to see mallards in Arizona. Based on 8,586 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when mallards are most active across the year in Arizona.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 20, 2026.
8,586 verified observations of mallards in Arizona, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When mallards are recorded in Arizona
Peak month
April
1,600 records (18.6% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 853 | 9.9% |
| February | 801 | 9.3% |
| Marchpeak | 1,160 | 13.5% |
| Aprilpeak | 1,600 | 18.6% |
| Maypeak | 1,043 | 12.1% |
| June | 452 | 5.3% |
| July | 313 | 3.6% |
| August | 315 | 3.7% |
| September | 312 | 3.6% |
| October | 414 | 4.8% |
| November | 541 | 6.3% |
| December | 782 | 9.1% |
Mallards you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Mallard | 8,586 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Arizona
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when mallards are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for mallards sit around 39 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 52°F | 34°F | 1.9" |
| Feb | 52°F | 34°F | 1.9" |
| Marbest time | 58°F | 39°F | 2.7" |
| Aprbest time | 71°F | 49°F | 0.2" |
| Maybest time | 77°F | 56°F | 0.3" |
| Jun | 88°F | 66°F | 0.3" |
| Jul | 91°F | 72°F | 2.7" |
| Aug | 88°F | 70°F | 2.2" |
| Sep | 84°F | 64°F | 1.4" |
| Oct | 73°F | 52°F | 0.6" |
| Nov | 63°F | 43°F | 1.5" |
| Dec | 53°F | 36°F | 2" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Arizona. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of mallards in Arizona peak in April, when 1,600 of the year's 8,586 verified observations are logged — about 18.6% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, March and May.
The quietest stretch is September, July and August, when mallards are hardest to find — September sees just 312 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The mallards you are most likely to encounter in Arizona are Mallard — 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 mallards in Arizona
- Chiricahua National Monument — National Monument
- Coronado National Memorial — National Memorial
- Fort Bowie National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Grand Canyon National Park — National Park
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Montezuma Castle National Monument — National Monument
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see mallards in Arizona?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, March and May, based on 8,586 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are mallards hardest to see in Arizona?+
September is the quietest month for mallards in Arizona, with only 312 verified records.
Are mallards active year-round in Arizona?+
Mallards are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Arizona, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More wildlife in Arizona