Best Time to See Pelicans in Arkansas
December, November and February is the best time to see pelicans in Arkansas. Based on 287 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when pelicans are most active across the year in Arkansas.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
American White Pelican · Jay Brasher CC BY
American White Pelican · Cody Delano CC BY
American White Pelican · Gordon C. Snelling CC BY
287 verified observations of pelicans in Arkansas, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in Arkansas
Peak month
December
52 records (18.1% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 33 | 11.5% |
| Februarypeak | 37 | 12.9% |
| March | 29 | 10.1% |
| April | 25 | 8.7% |
| May | 11 | 3.8% |
| June | 7 | 2.4% |
| July | 6 | 2.1% |
| August | 6 | 2.1% |
| September | 9 | 3.1% |
| October | 32 | 11.1% |
| Novemberpeak | 40 | 13.9% |
| Decemberpeak | 52 | 18.1% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American White Pelican | 286 |
| Brown Pelican | 1 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Arkansas
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 36 to 61 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 52°F | 36°F | 4.7" |
| Febbest time | 54°F | 36°F | 5.3" |
| Mar | 64°F | 45°F | 6.1" |
| Apr | 71°F | 52°F | 6.8" |
| May | 80°F | 62°F | 5.3" |
| Jun | 88°F | 70°F | 4.4" |
| Jul | 92°F | 74°F | 3.7" |
| Aug | 91°F | 74°F | 3.3" |
| Sep | 87°F | 68°F | 2" |
| Oct | 74°F | 56°F | 4.3" |
| Novbest time | 61°F | 43°F | 3.1" |
| Decbest time | 57°F | 40°F | 3.8" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Arkansas. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of pelicans in Arkansas peak in December, when 52 of the year's 287 verified observations are logged — about 18.1% of the annual total. Activity stays high through December, November and February.
The quietest stretch is July, August and June, when pelicans are hardest to find — July sees just 6 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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas
- Arkansas Post National Memorial — National Memorial
- Buffalo National River — National River
- Hot Springs National Park — National Park
- Pea Ridge National Military Park — National Military Park
- Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Fort Smith National Historic Site — National Historic Site
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see pelicans in Arkansas?+
December is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through December, November and February, based on 287 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are pelicans hardest to see in Arkansas?+
July is the quietest month for pelicans in Arkansas, with only 6 verified records.
Are pelicans active year-round in Arkansas?+
Pelicans are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Arkansas, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in December.
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in Arkansas