Best Time to See Bats in California
July, August and September is the best time to see bats in California. Based on 7,270 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when bats are most active across the year in California.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
7,270 verified observations of bats in California, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When bats are recorded in California
Peak month
July
1,001 records (13.8% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 231 | 3.2% |
| February | 234 | 3.2% |
| March | 464 | 6.4% |
| April | 818 | 11.3% |
| May | 730 | 10% |
| June | 767 | 10.6% |
| Julypeak | 1,001 | 13.8% |
| Augustpeak | 951 | 13.1% |
| Septemberpeak | 882 | 12.1% |
| October | 782 | 10.8% |
| November | 261 | 3.6% |
| December | 149 | 2% |
Bats you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Mexican Free-tailed Bat | 1,061 |
| Pallid Bat | 420 |
| Canyon Bat | 415 |
| Big Brown Bat | 413 |
| Northern Hoary Bat | 409 |
| Townsend's Big-eared Bat | 348 |
| California Myotis | 227 |
| Yuma Myotis | 225 |
Sightings of bats in California peak in July, when 1,001 of the year's 7,270 verified observations are logged — about 13.8% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, August and September.
The quietest stretch is December, when bats are hardest to find — December sees just 149 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The bats you are most likely to encounter in California are Mexican Free-tailed Bat, Pallid Bat and Canyon Bat — 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 bats in California
- Alcatraz Island
- Cabrillo National Monument — National Monument
- Channel Islands National Park — National Park
- Death Valley National Park — National Park
- Devils Postpile National Monument — National Monument
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
Tours and experiences nearby
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Stay near Alcatraz Island
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best bat viewing in California.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see bats in California?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, August and September, based on 7,270 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are bats hardest to see in California?+
December is the quietest month for bats in California, with only 149 verified records.
Are bats active year-round in California?+
Bats are recorded in 12 of 12 months in California, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in July.
More places to see bats
More wildlife in California