Best Time to See Mallards in Minnesota
April, May and June is the best time to see mallards in Minnesota. Based on 9,952 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when mallards are most active across the year in Minnesota.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 20, 2026.
9,952 verified observations of mallards in Minnesota, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When mallards are recorded in Minnesota
Peak month
April
2,481 records (24.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 301 | 3% |
| February | 357 | 3.6% |
| March | 903 | 9.1% |
| Aprilpeak | 2,481 | 24.9% |
| Maypeak | 1,767 | 17.8% |
| Junepeak | 950 | 9.5% |
| July | 845 | 8.5% |
| August | 553 | 5.6% |
| September | 476 | 4.8% |
| October | 545 | 5.5% |
| November | 432 | 4.3% |
| December | 342 | 3.4% |
Mallards you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Mallard | 9,952 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Minnesota
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when mallards are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for mallards sit around 30 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 20°F | 5°F | 1" |
| Feb | 20°F | 2°F | 1" |
| Mar | 37°F | 19°F | 1.9" |
| Aprbest time | 48°F | 30°F | 2.9" |
| Maybest time | 64°F | 44°F | 2.6" |
| Junbest time | 77°F | 58°F | 2.6" |
| Jul | 79°F | 62°F | 4.6" |
| Aug | 77°F | 61°F | 3.8" |
| Sep | 70°F | 54°F | 3.6" |
| Oct | 53°F | 40°F | 2.7" |
| Nov | 38°F | 25°F | 1.8" |
| Dec | 27°F | 14°F | 2.5" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Minnesota. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of mallards in Minnesota peak in April, when 2,481 of the year's 9,952 verified observations are logged — about 24.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, May and June.
The quietest stretch is January, December and February, when mallards are hardest to find — January sees just 301 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The mallards you are most likely to encounter in Minnesota are Mallard — 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 mallards in Minnesota
- Grand Portage National Monument — National Monument
- Mississippi National River & Recreation Area — National River & Recreation Area
- North Country National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Pipestone National Monument — National Monument
- Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway — National Scenic Riverway
- Voyageurs National Park — National Park
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see mallards in Minnesota?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, May and June, based on 9,952 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are mallards hardest to see in Minnesota?+
January is the quietest month for mallards in Minnesota, with only 301 verified records.
Are mallards active year-round in Minnesota?+
Mallards are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Minnesota, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More wildlife in Minnesota