Best Time to See Dark Eyed Juncos in Colorado
July, March and December is the best time to see dark eyed juncos in Colorado. Based on 4,690 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when dark eyed juncos are most active across the year in Colorado.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 20, 2026.
Dark-eyed Junco · Bob Walker CC BY
Gray-headed Junco · Nigel Voaden CC BY
Dark-eyed Junco · Public domain CC0
4,690 verified observations of dark eyed juncos in Colorado, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When dark eyed juncos are recorded in Colorado
Peak month
July
485 records (10.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 448 | 9.6% |
| February | 343 | 7.3% |
| Marchpeak | 482 | 10.3% |
| April | 395 | 8.4% |
| May | 341 | 7.3% |
| June | 414 | 8.8% |
| Julypeak | 485 | 10.3% |
| August | 326 | 7% |
| September | 239 | 5.1% |
| October | 348 | 7.4% |
| November | 410 | 8.7% |
| Decemberpeak | 459 | 9.8% |
Dark Eyed Juncos you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Dark-eyed Junco | 4,690 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Colorado
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when dark eyed juncos are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for dark eyed juncos sit around 9 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27°F | 5°F | 0.5" |
| Feb | 27°F | 3°F | 0.9" |
| Marbest time | 34°F | 9°F | 1.3" |
| Apr | 46°F | 20°F | 1.1" |
| May | 57°F | 31°F | 2.5" |
| Jun | 69°F | 42°F | 2.1" |
| Julbest time | 76°F | 49°F | 2.5" |
| Aug | 75°F | 48°F | 1.7" |
| Sep | 69°F | 41°F | 1.1" |
| Oct | 54°F | 27°F | 0.8" |
| Nov | 40°F | 18°F | 0.6" |
| Decbest time | 30°F | 10°F | 0.9" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Colorado. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of dark eyed juncos in Colorado peak in July, when 485 of the year's 4,690 verified observations are logged — about 10.3% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, March and December.
The quietest stretch is September, August and May, when dark eyed juncos are hardest to find — September sees just 239 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The dark eyed juncos you are most likely to encounter in Colorado are Dark-eyed Junco — 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 dark eyed juncos in Colorado
- Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park — National Park
- Colorado National Monument — National Monument
- Curecanti National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Dinosaur National Monument — National Monument
- Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve — National Park & Preserve
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see dark eyed juncos in Colorado?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, March and December, based on 4,690 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are dark eyed juncos hardest to see in Colorado?+
September is the quietest month for dark eyed juncos in Colorado, with only 239 verified records.
Are dark eyed juncos active year-round in Colorado?+
Dark eyed juncos are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Colorado, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in July.
More wildlife in Colorado