Best Time to See Squirrels in Michigan
May, April and June is the best time to see squirrels in Michigan. Based on 22,559 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when squirrels 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.
22,559 verified observations of squirrels in Michigan, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When squirrels are recorded in Michigan
Peak month
May
3,196 records (14.2% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 797 | 3.5% |
| February | 876 | 3.9% |
| March | 1,501 | 6.7% |
| Aprilpeak | 3,080 | 13.7% |
| Maypeak | 3,196 | 14.2% |
| Junepeak | 2,925 | 13% |
| July | 2,389 | 10.6% |
| August | 1,687 | 7.5% |
| September | 2,263 | 10% |
| October | 1,853 | 8.2% |
| November | 1,061 | 4.7% |
| December | 931 | 4.1% |
Squirrels you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | 5,428 |
| Eastern Fox Squirrel | 4,992 |
| Eastern Chipmunk | 4,875 |
| American Red Squirrel | 3,663 |
| Groundhog | 2,256 |
| Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel | 504 |
| Southern Flying Squirrel | 200 |
| Least Chipmunk | 113 |
Sightings of squirrels in Michigan peak in May, when 3,196 of the year's 22,559 verified observations are logged — about 14.2% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, April and June.
The quietest stretch is January, February and December, when squirrels are hardest to find — January sees just 797 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 Michigan are Eastern Gray Squirrel, Eastern Fox Squirrel 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 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
Tours and experiences nearby
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Stay near Isle Royale National Park
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see squirrels in Michigan?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, April and June, based on 22,559 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are squirrels hardest to see in Michigan?+
January is the quietest month for squirrels in Michigan, with only 797 verified records.
Are squirrels active year-round in Michigan?+
Squirrels are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Michigan, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More wildlife in Michigan