Best Time to See Condors in California
February, March and April is the best time to see condors in California. Based on 4,549 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when condors 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.
California Condor · Rick Mandel CC BY
California Condor · Mike Splain CC BY-ND
California Condor · Corey Stafford CC BY
4,549 verified observations of condors in California, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When condors are recorded in California
Peak month
February
632 records (13.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 478 | 10.5% |
| Februarypeak | 632 | 13.9% |
| Marchpeak | 626 | 13.8% |
| Aprilpeak | 548 | 12% |
| May | 502 | 11% |
| June | 427 | 9.4% |
| July | 246 | 5.4% |
| August | 217 | 4.8% |
| September | 146 | 3.2% |
| October | 228 | 5% |
| November | 265 | 5.8% |
| December | 234 | 5.1% |
Condors you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| California Condor | 4,549 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in California
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when condors are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for condors sit around 30 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 53°F | 31°F | 5.6" |
| Febbest time | 53°F | 30°F | 4.4" |
| Marbest time | 55°F | 33°F | 7.3" |
| Aprbest time | 66°F | 40°F | 1.8" |
| May | 73°F | 46°F | 1.6" |
| Jun | 84°F | 55°F | 0.2" |
| Jul | 94°F | 62°F | 0" |
| Aug | 93°F | 62°F | 0.3" |
| Sep | 85°F | 57°F | 0.8" |
| Oct | 73°F | 46°F | 1.2" |
| Nov | 61°F | 36°F | 2.3" |
| Dec | 53°F | 33°F | 7.8" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for California. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on condors in California:
Sightings of condors in California peak in February, when 632 of the year's 4,549 verified observations are logged — about 13.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through February, March and April.
The quietest stretch is September and August, when condors are hardest to find — September sees just 146 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The condors you are most likely to encounter in California are California Condor — 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 condors 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
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see condors in California?+
February is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through February, March and April, based on 4,549 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are condors hardest to see in California?+
September is the quietest month for condors in California, with only 146 verified records.
Are condors active year-round in California?+
Condors are recorded in 12 of 12 months in California, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in February.
More places to see condors
More wildlife in California