Best Time to See Pelicans in Indiana
April, March and October is the best time to see pelicans in Indiana. Based on 412 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when pelicans are most active across the year in Indiana.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
412 verified observations of pelicans in Indiana, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in Indiana
Peak month
April
150 records (36.4% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2 | 0.5% |
| February | 15 | 3.6% |
| Marchpeak | 144 | 35% |
| Aprilpeak | 150 | 36.4% |
| May | 12 | 2.9% |
| June | 12 | 2.9% |
| July | 10 | 2.4% |
| August | 8 | 1.9% |
| September | 20 | 4.9% |
| Octoberpeak | 27 | 6.6% |
| November | 7 | 1.7% |
| December | 5 | 1.2% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American White Pelican | 411 |
| Brown Pelican | 1 |
Sightings of pelicans in Indiana peak in April, when 150 of the year's 412 verified observations are logged — about 36.4% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, March and October.
The quietest stretch is January, when pelicans are hardest to find — January sees just 2 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 Indiana are American White Pelican and Brown 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 Indiana
- Indiana Dunes National Park — National Park
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial — National Memorial
- George Rogers Clark National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Indiana Dunes SP
- Gibson Generating Station
Tours and experiences nearby
Booking.com
Stay near Indiana Dunes National Park
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best pelican viewing in Indiana.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see pelicans in Indiana?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, March and October, based on 412 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are pelicans hardest to see in Indiana?+
January is the quietest month for pelicans in Indiana, with only 2 verified records.
Are pelicans active year-round in Indiana?+
Pelicans are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Indiana, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in Indiana