Best Time to See Pelicans in Missouri
March, April and May is the best time to see pelicans in Missouri. Based on 539 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when pelicans 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 June 28, 2026.
American White Pelican · Public domain CC0
American White Pelican · Public domain CC0
American White Pelican · Paul Roots CC BY
539 verified observations of pelicans in Missouri, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in Missouri
Peak month
March
101 records (18.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 14 | 2.6% |
| February | 49 | 9.1% |
| Marchpeak | 101 | 18.7% |
| Aprilpeak | 89 | 16.5% |
| Maypeak | 55 | 10.2% |
| June | 30 | 5.6% |
| July | 15 | 2.8% |
| August | 31 | 5.8% |
| September | 46 | 8.5% |
| October | 54 | 10% |
| November | 35 | 6.5% |
| December | 20 | 3.7% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American White Pelican | 535 |
| Brown Pelican | 3 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Missouri
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when pelicans are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for pelicans 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.
More on pelicans in Missouri:
Sightings of pelicans in Missouri peak in March, when 101 of the year's 539 verified observations are logged — about 18.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through March, April and May.
The quietest stretch is January, July and December, when pelicans are hardest to find — January sees just 14 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The pelicans you are most likely to encounter in Missouri are American White Pelican and Brown Pelican — 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 pelicans 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 pelicans in Missouri?+
March is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through March, April and May, based on 539 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are pelicans hardest to see in Missouri?+
January is the quietest month for pelicans in Missouri, with only 14 verified records.
Are pelicans active year-round in Missouri?+
Pelicans are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Missouri, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in March.
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in Missouri