Best Time to See Mallards in Missouri
April, May and March is the best time to see mallards in Missouri. Based on 2,717 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when mallards are most active across the year in Missouri.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 20, 2026.
2,717 verified observations of mallards in Missouri, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When mallards are recorded in Missouri
Peak month
April
604 records (22.2% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 79 | 2.9% |
| February | 181 | 6.7% |
| Marchpeak | 328 | 12.1% |
| Aprilpeak | 604 | 22.2% |
| Maypeak | 405 | 14.9% |
| June | 226 | 8.3% |
| July | 168 | 6.2% |
| August | 183 | 6.7% |
| September | 144 | 5.3% |
| October | 119 | 4.4% |
| November | 146 | 5.4% |
| December | 134 | 4.9% |
Mallards you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Mallard | 2,717 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Missouri
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 37 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 43°F | 27°F | 3" |
| Feb | 45°F | 25°F | 3.2" |
| Marbest time | 57°F | 37°F | 5.6" |
| Aprbest time | 67°F | 45°F | 4.7" |
| Maybest time | 74°F | 56°F | 5.9" |
| Jun | 86°F | 65°F | 4.3" |
| Jul | 90°F | 70°F | 4.2" |
| Aug | 88°F | 69°F | 5.1" |
| Sep | 84°F | 63°F | 2.2" |
| Oct | 68°F | 49°F | 5" |
| Nov | 57°F | 38°F | 2.1" |
| Dec | 50°F | 32°F | 2.1" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Missouri. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of mallards in Missouri peak in April, when 604 of the year's 2,717 verified observations are logged — about 22.2% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, May and March.
The quietest stretch is January, when mallards are hardest to find — January sees just 79 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 Missouri 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 Missouri
- George Washington Carver National Monument — National Monument
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Ozark National Scenic Riverways — National Scenic Riverways
- Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Wilson's Creek National Battlefield — National Battlefield
- Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see mallards in Missouri?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, May and March, based on 2,717 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are mallards hardest to see in Missouri?+
January is the quietest month for mallards in Missouri, with only 79 verified records.
Are mallards active year-round in Missouri?+
Mallards are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Missouri, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More wildlife in Missouri