Best Time to See Pelicans in Massachusetts
September, October and August is the best time to see pelicans in Massachusetts. Based on 18 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when pelicans are most active across the year in Massachusetts.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
American White Pelican · Lucy Keith-Diagne CC BY
18 verified observations of pelicans in Massachusetts, recorded across 8 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in Massachusetts
Peak month
September
5 records (27.8% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 1 | 5.6% |
| April | 1 | 5.6% |
| May | 0 | 0% |
| June | 1 | 5.6% |
| July | 1 | 5.6% |
| Augustpeak | 3 | 16.7% |
| Septemberpeak | 5 | 27.8% |
| Octoberpeak | 5 | 27.8% |
| November | 1 | 5.6% |
| December | 0 | 0% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Brown Pelican | 11 |
| American White Pelican | 6 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Massachusetts
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 47 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 37°F | 22°F | 3.8" |
| Feb | 39°F | 22°F | 3.4" |
| Mar | 48°F | 28°F | 3.6" |
| Apr | 57°F | 38°F | 4.6" |
| May | 68°F | 47°F | 3.4" |
| Jun | 78°F | 58°F | 3.6" |
| Jul | 83°F | 65°F | 5.4" |
| Augbest time | 82°F | 64°F | 3.5" |
| Sepbest time | 73°F | 56°F | 5.3" |
| Octbest time | 62°F | 47°F | 5.3" |
| Nov | 50°F | 34°F | 3.1" |
| Dec | 42°F | 27°F | 5.9" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Massachusetts. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of pelicans in Massachusetts peak in September, when 5 of the year's 18 verified observations are logged — about 27.8% of the annual total. Activity stays high through September, October and August.
The quietest stretch is January, February and May, when pelicans are hardest to find — no verified records exist for January. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The pelicans you are most likely to encounter in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Cape Cod National Seashore — National Seashore
- Adams National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Boston African American National Historic Site — National Historic Site
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see pelicans in Massachusetts?+
September is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through September, October and August, based on 18 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are pelicans hardest to see in Massachusetts?+
January is the quietest month for pelicans in Massachusetts, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are pelicans active year-round in Massachusetts?+
Pelicans are recorded in 8 of 12 months in Massachusetts, concentrated around September and October.
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in Massachusetts