Best Time to See Raccoons in Minnesota
May, June and April is the best time to see raccoons in Minnesota. Based on 2,286 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when raccoons 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 2, 2026.
Common Raccoon · Brett Ortler CC BY
Common Raccoon · Marilynn Miller CC BY
Common Raccoon · Norma Malinowski CC BY
2,286 verified observations of raccoons in Minnesota, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When raccoons are recorded in Minnesota
Peak month
May
327 records (14.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 114 | 5% |
| February | 165 | 7.2% |
| March | 219 | 9.6% |
| Aprilpeak | 281 | 12.3% |
| Maypeak | 327 | 14.3% |
| Junepeak | 317 | 13.9% |
| July | 192 | 8.4% |
| August | 154 | 6.7% |
| September | 217 | 9.5% |
| October | 136 | 5.9% |
| November | 99 | 4.3% |
| December | 65 | 2.8% |
Raccoons you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Common Raccoon | 2,286 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Minnesota
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when raccoons are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for raccoons 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.
More on raccoons in Minnesota:
Sightings of raccoons in Minnesota peak in May, when 327 of the year's 2,286 verified observations are logged — about 14.3% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, June and April.
The quietest stretch is December, when raccoons are hardest to find — December sees just 65 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The raccoons you are most likely to encounter in Minnesota are Common Raccoon — 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 raccoons 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 raccoons in Minnesota?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, June and April, based on 2,286 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are raccoons hardest to see in Minnesota?+
December is the quietest month for raccoons in Minnesota, with only 65 verified records.
Are raccoons active year-round in Minnesota?+
Raccoons are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Minnesota, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More places to see raccoons
More wildlife in Minnesota