Best Time to See Pelicans in Arizona
January, December and November is the best time to see pelicans in Arizona. Based on 1,049 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when pelicans 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 June 28, 2026.
1,049 verified observations of pelicans in Arizona, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in Arizona
Peak month
January
205 records (19.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 205 | 19.5% |
| February | 123 | 11.7% |
| March | 90 | 8.6% |
| April | 70 | 6.7% |
| May | 41 | 3.9% |
| June | 10 | 1% |
| July | 9 | 0.9% |
| August | 22 | 2.1% |
| September | 29 | 2.8% |
| October | 87 | 8.3% |
| Novemberpeak | 164 | 15.6% |
| Decemberpeak | 199 | 19% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American White Pelican | 961 |
| Brown Pelican | 88 |
Sightings of pelicans in Arizona peak in January, when 205 of the year's 1,049 verified observations are logged — about 19.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through January, December and November.
The quietest stretch is July and June, when pelicans are hardest to find — July sees just 9 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 Arizona are American White Pelican and Brown 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 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
Tours and experiences nearby
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Stay near Chiricahua National Monument
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see pelicans in Arizona?+
January is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through January, December and November, based on 1,049 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are pelicans hardest to see in Arizona?+
July is the quietest month for pelicans in Arizona, with only 9 verified records.
Are pelicans active year-round in Arizona?+
Pelicans are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Arizona, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in January.
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in Arizona