Best Time to See Raccoons in Arizona
October, September and November is the best time to see raccoons in Arizona. Based on 1,152 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when raccoons 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 2, 2026.
Common Raccoon · brettaugust CC BY
Common Raccoon · William Harmon CC BY
Common Raccoon · Rachel Stringham CC BY
1,152 verified observations of raccoons in Arizona, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When raccoons are recorded in Arizona
Peak month
October
139 records (12.1% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 105 | 9.1% |
| February | 89 | 7.7% |
| March | 97 | 8.4% |
| April | 97 | 8.4% |
| May | 75 | 6.5% |
| June | 59 | 5.1% |
| July | 77 | 6.7% |
| August | 93 | 8.1% |
| Septemberpeak | 126 | 10.9% |
| Octoberpeak | 139 | 12.1% |
| Novemberpeak | 109 | 9.5% |
| December | 86 | 7.5% |
Raccoons you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Common Raccoon | 1,152 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Arizona
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when raccoons are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for raccoons sit around 43 to 84 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" |
| Mar | 58°F | 39°F | 2.7" |
| Apr | 71°F | 49°F | 0.2" |
| May | 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" |
| Sepbest time | 84°F | 64°F | 1.4" |
| Octbest time | 73°F | 52°F | 0.6" |
| Novbest time | 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.
More on raccoons in Arizona:
Sightings of raccoons in Arizona peak in October, when 139 of the year's 1,152 verified observations are logged — about 12.1% of the annual total. Activity stays high through October, September and November.
The quietest stretch is June, May and July, when raccoons are hardest to find — June sees just 59 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The raccoons you are most likely to encounter in Arizona are Common Raccoon — 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 raccoons 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 raccoons in Arizona?+
October is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through October, September and November, based on 1,152 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are raccoons hardest to see in Arizona?+
June is the quietest month for raccoons in Arizona, with only 59 verified records.
Are raccoons active year-round in Arizona?+
Raccoons are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Arizona, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in October.
More places to see raccoons
More wildlife in Arizona