Best Time to See Pelicans in Georgia
March, February and January is the best time to see pelicans in Georgia. Based on 1,271 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when pelicans are most active across the year in Georgia.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
1,271 verified observations of pelicans in Georgia, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in Georgia
Peak month
March
225 records (17.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 138 | 10.9% |
| Februarypeak | 193 | 15.2% |
| Marchpeak | 225 | 17.7% |
| April | 103 | 8.1% |
| May | 101 | 7.9% |
| June | 95 | 7.5% |
| July | 76 | 6% |
| August | 63 | 5% |
| September | 24 | 1.9% |
| October | 66 | 5.2% |
| November | 68 | 5.4% |
| December | 119 | 9.4% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Brown Pelican | 1,100 |
| American White Pelican | 162 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Georgia
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 41 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Janbest time | 59°F | 41°F | 5.4" |
| Febbest time | 64°F | 45°F | 3.9" |
| Marbest time | 71°F | 50°F | 4" |
| Apr | 76°F | 54°F | 4" |
| May | 84°F | 62°F | 2.1" |
| Jun | 89°F | 69°F | 4.2" |
| Jul | 92°F | 73°F | 3.7" |
| Aug | 90°F | 73°F | 4.2" |
| Sep | 86°F | 67°F | 2.7" |
| Oct | 77°F | 58°F | 2.9" |
| Nov | 66°F | 47°F | 2.6" |
| Dec | 60°F | 43°F | 3.8" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Georgia. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of pelicans in Georgia peak in March, when 225 of the year's 1,271 verified observations are logged — about 17.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through March, February and January.
The quietest stretch is September, when pelicans are hardest to find — September sees just 24 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 Georgia are Brown Pelican and American 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 Georgia
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Cumberland Island National Seashore — National Seashore
- Fort Pulaski National Monument — National Monument
- Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Andersonville National Historic Site — National Historic Site
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see pelicans in Georgia?+
March is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through March, February and January, based on 1,271 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are pelicans hardest to see in Georgia?+
September is the quietest month for pelicans in Georgia, with only 24 verified records.
Are pelicans active year-round in Georgia?+
Pelicans are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Georgia, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in March.
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in Georgia