Best Time to See Hawks in Michigan
April, May and August is the best time to see hawks in Michigan. Based on 11,764 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when hawks are most active across the year in Michigan.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Sharp-shinned Hawk · Skyler Principe CC BY
Bald Eagle · Public domain CC0
Red-tailed Hawk · Jessica IJ CC BY
11,764 verified observations of hawks in Michigan, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When hawks are recorded in Michigan
Peak month
April
1,497 records (12.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 967 | 8.2% |
| February | 939 | 8% |
| March | 998 | 8.5% |
| Aprilpeak | 1,497 | 12.7% |
| Maypeak | 1,310 | 11.1% |
| June | 787 | 6.7% |
| July | 786 | 6.7% |
| Augustpeak | 1,006 | 8.6% |
| September | 884 | 7.5% |
| October | 813 | 6.9% |
| November | 863 | 7.3% |
| December | 914 | 7.8% |
Hawks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Bald Eagle | 3,693 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 3,572 |
| Cooper's Hawk | 1,716 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 555 |
| Red-shouldered Hawk | 498 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 434 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 408 |
| Northern Harrier | 354 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Michigan
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when hawks are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for hawks sit around 33 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27°F | 16°F | 2.3" |
| Feb | 28°F | 13°F | 2.4" |
| Mar | 40°F | 23°F | 3" |
| Aprbest time | 51°F | 33°F | 2.8" |
| Maybest time | 65°F | 45°F | 3.7" |
| Jun | 76°F | 55°F | 2.8" |
| Jul | 80°F | 61°F | 3.6" |
| Augbest time | 77°F | 59°F | 3.3" |
| Sep | 69°F | 53°F | 3.4" |
| Oct | 55°F | 42°F | 4.7" |
| Nov | 42°F | 30°F | 2.5" |
| Dec | 34°F | 23°F | 2.7" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Michigan. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of hawks in Michigan peak in April, when 1,497 of the year's 11,764 verified observations are logged — about 12.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, May and August.
The quietest stretch is July, June and October, when hawks are hardest to find — July sees just 786 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The hawks you are most likely to encounter in Michigan are Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk and Cooper's Hawk — 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 hawks in Michigan
- Isle Royale National Park — National Park
- North Country National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore — National Lakeshore
- River Raisin National Battlefield Park — National Battlefield Park
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore — National Lakeshore
- Keweenaw National Historical Park — National Historical Park
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see hawks in Michigan?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, May and August, based on 11,764 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are hawks hardest to see in Michigan?+
July is the quietest month for hawks in Michigan, with only 786 verified records.
Are hawks active year-round in Michigan?+
Hawks are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Michigan, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More places to see hawks
More wildlife in Michigan