Best Time to See Squirrels in Kentucky

April, May and September is the best time to see squirrels in Kentucky. Based on 4,628 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when squirrels are most active across the year in Kentucky.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.

Eastern Gray Squirrel photographed in Kentucky

Eastern Gray Squirrel · David Weisenbeck CC BY

Eastern Gray Squirrel photographed in Kentucky

Eastern Gray Squirrel · Dalton Watt CC BY

Upland Fox Squirrel photographed in Kentucky

Upland Fox Squirrel · Dominic CC BY

Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Best months: April, May, SeptemberPeak season right now

4,628 verified observations of squirrels in Kentucky, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When squirrels are recorded in Kentucky

Peak month

April

786 records (17% of the year)

Quietest month

December

123 records

MonthObservationsShare
January1884.1%
February3056.6%
March4379.4%
Aprilpeak78617%
Maypeak63313.7%
June3788.2%
July2425.2%
August2675.8%
Septemberpeak49010.6%
October4539.8%
November3267%
December1232.7%

Squirrels you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Eastern Gray Squirrel3,131
Groundhog581
Eastern Chipmunk547
Eastern Fox Squirrel216
Southern Flying Squirrel66

Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo

Typical weather in Kentucky

Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when squirrels are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for squirrels sit around 45 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.

MonthAvg highAvg lowRain
Jan45°F29°F4.6"
Feb49°F31°F5.6"
Mar59°F38°F4.5"
Aprbest time66°F45°F5.1"
Maybest time76°F56°F3.9"
Jun84°F64°F5.5"
Jul88°F69°F5.3"
Aug86°F67°F3.8"
Sepbest time82°F61°F2.5"
Oct70°F51°F4"
Nov56°F37°F2.7"
Dec50°F34°F3.8"

Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Kentucky. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.

More on squirrels in Kentucky:

Sightings of squirrels in Kentucky peak in April, when 786 of the year's 4,628 verified observations are logged — about 17% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, May and September.

The quietest stretch is December, when squirrels are hardest to find — December sees just 123 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.

The squirrels you are most likely to encounter in Kentucky are Eastern Gray Squirrel, Groundhog and Eastern Chipmunk — 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 squirrels in Kentucky

  • Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical ParkNational Historical Park
  • Big South Fork National River & Recreation AreaNational River & Recreation Area
  • Cumberland Gap National Historical ParkNational Historical Park
  • Lewis & Clark National Historic TrailNational Historic Trail
  • Mammoth Cave National ParkNational Park
  • Camp Nelson National MonumentNational Monument

Gear to see them

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to see squirrels in Kentucky?+

April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, May and September, based on 4,628 verified iNaturalist observations.

When are squirrels hardest to see in Kentucky?+

December is the quietest month for squirrels in Kentucky, with only 123 verified records.

Are squirrels active year-round in Kentucky?+

Squirrels are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Kentucky, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.