Best Time to See Pelicans in California
September, August and November is the best time to see pelicans in California. Based on 64,481 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when pelicans 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.
64,481 verified observations of pelicans in California, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in California
Peak month
September
6,173 records (9.6% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5,065 | 7.9% |
| February | 4,067 | 6.3% |
| March | 4,440 | 6.9% |
| April | 4,818 | 7.5% |
| May | 5,770 | 8.9% |
| June | 5,606 | 8.7% |
| July | 5,675 | 8.8% |
| Augustpeak | 5,925 | 9.2% |
| Septemberpeak | 6,173 | 9.6% |
| October | 5,579 | 8.7% |
| Novemberpeak | 5,843 | 9.1% |
| December | 5,520 | 8.6% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Brown Pelican | 44,678 |
| American White Pelican | 19,670 |
| Great White Pelican | 1 |
Sightings of pelicans in California peak in September, when 6,173 of the year's 64,481 verified observations are logged — about 9.6% of the annual total. Activity stays high through September, August and November.
The quietest stretch is February, March and April, when pelicans are hardest to find — February sees just 4,067 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 California are Brown Pelican, American White Pelican and Great White 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 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
Viator
Book a pelican tour in California
Guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences, with free cancellation on most.
Booking.com
Stay near Alcatraz Island
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best pelican viewing in California.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see pelicans in California?+
September is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through September, August and November, based on 64,481 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are pelicans hardest to see in California?+
February is the quietest month for pelicans in California, with only 4,067 verified records.
Are pelicans active year-round in California?+
Pelicans are recorded in 12 of 12 months in California, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in September.
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in California