Best Time to See Squirrels in Missouri
May, April and October is the best time to see squirrels in Missouri. Based on 7,014 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when squirrels 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 2, 2026.
Groundhog · Thomas Koffel CC BY
Southern Flying Squirrel · Public domain CC0
Eastern Chipmunk · Public domain CC0
7,014 verified observations of squirrels in Missouri, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When squirrels are recorded in Missouri
Peak month
May
1,051 records (15% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 326 | 4.6% |
| February | 347 | 4.9% |
| March | 477 | 6.8% |
| Aprilpeak | 1,029 | 14.7% |
| Maypeak | 1,051 | 15% |
| June | 677 | 9.7% |
| July | 403 | 5.7% |
| August | 410 | 5.8% |
| September | 705 | 10.1% |
| Octoberpeak | 811 | 11.6% |
| November | 389 | 5.5% |
| December | 389 | 5.5% |
Squirrels you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | 3,797 |
| Groundhog | 1,142 |
| Eastern Fox Squirrel | 992 |
| Eastern Chipmunk | 837 |
| Southern Flying Squirrel | 53 |
| Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel | 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 squirrels are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for squirrels sit around 45 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" |
| Mar | 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" |
| Octbest time | 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 squirrels in Missouri:
Sightings of squirrels in Missouri peak in May, when 1,051 of the year's 7,014 verified observations are logged — about 15% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, April and October.
The quietest stretch is January, February and November, when squirrels are hardest to find — January sees just 326 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 Missouri are Eastern Gray Squirrel, Groundhog and Eastern Fox Squirrel — 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 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
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see squirrels in Missouri?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, April and October, based on 7,014 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are squirrels hardest to see in Missouri?+
January is the quietest month for squirrels in Missouri, with only 326 verified records.
Are squirrels active year-round in Missouri?+
Squirrels are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Missouri, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More places to see squirrels
More wildlife in Missouri