Best Time to See Squirrels in Massachusetts
April, May and October is the best time to see squirrels in Massachusetts. Based on 31,157 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when squirrels 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.
Eastern Gray Squirrel · Andrew Hrycyna CC BY
Eastern Gray Squirrel · Public domain CC0
Eastern Gray Squirrel · Public domain CC0
31,157 verified observations of squirrels in Massachusetts, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When squirrels are recorded in Massachusetts
Peak month
April
4,520 records (14.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1,374 | 4.4% |
| February | 1,354 | 4.3% |
| March | 2,497 | 8% |
| Aprilpeak | 4,520 | 14.5% |
| Maypeak | 4,152 | 13.3% |
| June | 3,419 | 11% |
| July | 1,963 | 6.3% |
| August | 1,538 | 4.9% |
| September | 3,544 | 11.4% |
| Octoberpeak | 3,611 | 11.6% |
| November | 1,870 | 6% |
| December | 1,315 | 4.2% |
Squirrels you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | 19,551 |
| Eastern Chipmunk | 6,658 |
| American Red Squirrel | 2,443 |
| Groundhog | 1,931 |
| Southern Flying Squirrel | 216 |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | 1 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Massachusetts
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 38 to 68 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" |
| Aprbest time | 57°F | 38°F | 4.6" |
| Maybest time | 68°F | 47°F | 3.4" |
| Jun | 78°F | 58°F | 3.6" |
| Jul | 83°F | 65°F | 5.4" |
| Aug | 82°F | 64°F | 3.5" |
| Sep | 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.
More on squirrels in Massachusetts:
Sightings of squirrels in Massachusetts peak in April, when 4,520 of the year's 31,157 verified observations are logged — about 14.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, May and October.
The quietest stretch is December, February and January, when squirrels are hardest to find — December sees just 1,315 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 Massachusetts are Eastern Gray Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk and American Red Squirrel — 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 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
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see squirrels in Massachusetts?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, May and October, based on 31,157 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are squirrels hardest to see in Massachusetts?+
December is the quietest month for squirrels in Massachusetts, with only 1,315 verified records.
Are squirrels active year-round in Massachusetts?+
Squirrels are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Massachusetts, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More places to see squirrels
More wildlife in Massachusetts