Best Time to See Pelicans in Maryland
August, July and June is the best time to see pelicans in Maryland. Based on 842 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when pelicans are most active across the year in Maryland.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
842 verified observations of pelicans in Maryland, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in Maryland
Peak month
August
96 records (11.4% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 59 | 7% |
| February | 42 | 5% |
| March | 39 | 4.6% |
| April | 69 | 8.2% |
| May | 76 | 9% |
| Junepeak | 87 | 10.3% |
| Julypeak | 95 | 11.3% |
| Augustpeak | 96 | 11.4% |
| September | 70 | 8.3% |
| October | 85 | 10.1% |
| November | 81 | 9.6% |
| December | 43 | 5.1% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Brown Pelican | 638 |
| American White Pelican | 204 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Maryland
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 64 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 44°F | 30°F | 3.3" |
| Feb | 48°F | 31°F | 3.9" |
| Mar | 56°F | 37°F | 3.9" |
| Apr | 66°F | 45°F | 4.7" |
| May | 73°F | 54°F | 4.7" |
| Junbest time | 83°F | 64°F | 5.4" |
| Julbest time | 89°F | 70°F | 7.3" |
| Augbest time | 85°F | 69°F | 7.6" |
| Sep | 79°F | 62°F | 4.9" |
| Oct | 69°F | 52°F | 4.9" |
| Nov | 56°F | 40°F | 3.2" |
| Dec | 49°F | 34°F | 4.8" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Maryland. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on pelicans in Maryland:
Sightings of pelicans in Maryland peak in August, when 96 of the year's 842 verified observations are logged — about 11.4% of the annual total. Activity stays high through August, July and June.
The quietest stretch is March, February and December, when pelicans are hardest to find — March sees just 39 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 Maryland 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 Maryland
- Antietam National Battlefield — National Battlefield
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Assateague Island National Seashore — National Seashore
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Chesapeake Bay
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see pelicans in Maryland?+
August is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through August, July and June, based on 842 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are pelicans hardest to see in Maryland?+
March is the quietest month for pelicans in Maryland, with only 39 verified records.
Are pelicans active year-round in Maryland?+
Pelicans are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Maryland, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in August.
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in Maryland