Best Time to See Squirrels in Minnesota
May, April and June is the best time to see squirrels in Minnesota. Based on 19,293 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when squirrels 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 June 28, 2026.
Eastern Gray Squirrel · Marilynn Miller CC BY
Eastern Gray Squirrel · Thomas Boe CC BY
Southern Flying Squirrel · Brett Ortler CC BY
19,293 verified observations of squirrels in Minnesota, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When squirrels are recorded in Minnesota
Peak month
May
2,736 records (14.2% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 984 | 5.1% |
| February | 994 | 5.2% |
| March | 1,170 | 6.1% |
| Aprilpeak | 2,426 | 12.6% |
| Maypeak | 2,736 | 14.2% |
| Junepeak | 2,192 | 11.4% |
| July | 1,771 | 9.2% |
| August | 1,498 | 7.8% |
| September | 1,952 | 10.1% |
| October | 1,618 | 8.4% |
| November | 963 | 5% |
| December | 989 | 5.1% |
Squirrels you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | 7,630 |
| American Red Squirrel | 4,454 |
| Eastern Chipmunk | 3,327 |
| Groundhog | 982 |
| Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel | 969 |
| Franklin's Ground Squirrel | 754 |
| Eastern Fox Squirrel | 271 |
| Least Chipmunk | 151 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Minnesota
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when squirrels are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for squirrels 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 squirrels in Minnesota:
Sightings of squirrels in Minnesota peak in May, when 2,736 of the year's 19,293 verified observations are logged — about 14.2% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, April and June.
The quietest stretch is November, January and December, when squirrels are hardest to find — November sees just 963 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 Minnesota are Eastern Gray Squirrel, American Red 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 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
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see squirrels in Minnesota?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, April and June, based on 19,293 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are squirrels hardest to see in Minnesota?+
November is the quietest month for squirrels in Minnesota, with only 963 verified records.
Are squirrels active year-round in Minnesota?+
Squirrels 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 squirrels
More wildlife in Minnesota