Best Time to See Pelicans in Montana
June, July and August is the best time to see pelicans in Montana. Based on 491 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when pelicans are most active across the year in Montana.
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 · a_virginian CC BY
491 verified observations of pelicans in Montana, recorded across 11 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in Montana
Peak month
June
140 records (28.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 1 | 0.2% |
| March | 5 | 1% |
| April | 45 | 9.2% |
| May | 81 | 16.5% |
| Junepeak | 140 | 28.5% |
| Julypeak | 91 | 18.5% |
| Augustpeak | 85 | 17.3% |
| September | 31 | 6.3% |
| October | 6 | 1.2% |
| November | 2 | 0.4% |
| December | 4 | 0.8% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American White Pelican | 491 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Montana
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 47 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29°F | 17°F | 1" |
| Feb | 22°F | 9°F | 1.5" |
| Mar | 33°F | 18°F | 1.1" |
| Apr | 40°F | 24°F | 2.3" |
| May | 53°F | 36°F | 3.5" |
| Junbest time | 65°F | 47°F | 3.2" |
| Julbest time | 75°F | 55°F | 2" |
| Augbest time | 74°F | 54°F | 1.7" |
| Sep | 65°F | 46°F | 2.1" |
| Oct | 46°F | 31°F | 2" |
| Nov | 36°F | 23°F | 1" |
| Dec | 30°F | 18°F | 1" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Montana. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on pelicans in Montana:
Sightings of pelicans in Montana peak in June, when 140 of the year's 491 verified observations are logged — about 28.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, July and August.
The quietest stretch is January and February, when pelicans are hardest to find — no verified records exist for January. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The pelicans you are most likely to encounter in Montana are American White 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 Montana
- Big Hole National Battlefield — National Battlefield
- Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Nez Perce National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Yellowstone National Park — National Park
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see pelicans in Montana?+
June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, July and August, based on 491 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are pelicans hardest to see in Montana?+
January is the quietest month for pelicans in Montana, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are pelicans active year-round in Montana?+
Pelicans are recorded in 11 of 12 months in Montana, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in June.
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in Montana