Pelicans in Minnesota in May
Yes, May is one of the best months to see pelicans in Minnesota. It is the 2nd busiest month of the year, with 387 of the 1,938 sightings logged across the year (20%), 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.
Peak month for pelicans in Minnesota
20%
of yearly sightings
387
records in May
#2
busiest month of 12
1,938
verified records a year
April 24.4%, May 20%, June 17.2%. 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, May carries 20% of the year's pelicans sightings, about 11.7 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 2nd busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is easing off from April (24.4%) into May, and it heads toward June (17.2%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so May is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.
The pelicans most often recorded in Minnesota are American White Pelican. Those counts are annual totals rather than a May split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in May 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 May?+
Yes. May accounts for 387 of the 1,938 verified pelicans sightings logged in Minnesota across the year, which is 20% of the annual total.
Is May a good time to see pelicans in Minnesota?+
May is one of the best months. It ranks 2nd of the year and sits inside the peak window of April, May and June.
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