Pelicans in Minnesota in August
Yes, August is a good month to see pelicans in Minnesota. It is the 6th busiest month of the year, with 157 of the 1,938 sightings logged across the year (8.1%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Good month for pelicans in Minnesota
8.1%
of yearly sightings
157
records in August
#6
busiest month of 12
1,938
verified records a year
July 10%, August 8.1%, September 10.8%. Busiest month is April at 24.4%.
1,938 verified observations of pelicans in Minnesota, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in Minnesota
Peak month
April
472 records (24.4% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 14 | 0.7% |
| February | 14 | 0.7% |
| March | 32 | 1.7% |
| Aprilpeak | 472 | 24.4% |
| Maypeak | 387 | 20% |
| Junepeak | 333 | 17.2% |
| July | 193 | 10% |
| August | 157 | 8.1% |
| September | 209 | 10.8% |
| October | 88 | 4.5% |
| November | 28 | 1.4% |
| December | 11 | 0.6% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American White Pelican | 1,938 |
In Minnesota, August carries 8.1% of the year's pelicans sightings, about 0.2 points below an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 6th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is easing off from July (10%) into August, and it heads toward September (10.8%) after. The busiest month is April (24.4%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The pelicans most often recorded in Minnesota are American White Pelican. Those counts are annual totals rather than a August split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in August itself.
Which pelicans you are most likely to see
- American White Pelican1,938 records
Plan your pelican trip in Minnesota
Start with live tours near Grand Portage National Monument, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Grand Portage National Monument
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main pelican viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Grand Portage National Monument
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best pelican viewing area in Minnesota.
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Broader backupBook a pelican tour in Minnesota
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see pelicans in Minnesota in August?+
Yes. August accounts for 157 of the 1,938 verified pelicans sightings logged in Minnesota across the year, which is 8.1% of the annual total.
Is August a good time to see pelicans in Minnesota?+
August is the 6th busiest month. It is workable, though April and May is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for pelicans in Minnesota?+
April is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through April, May and June, based on 1,938 verified observations.
Which pelicans are you most likely to see in Minnesota?+
The most-recorded species in Minnesota are American White Pelican, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See pelicans in Minnesota in other months
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in Minnesota