Best Time to See Bats in Nebraska
September, April and July is the best time to see bats in Nebraska. Based on 575 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when bats are most active across the year in Nebraska.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
Western Small-footed Myotis · Colin Croft CC BY
Western Small-footed Myotis · Colin Croft CC BY
Western Small-footed Myotis · Colin Croft CC BY
575 verified observations of bats in Nebraska, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When bats are recorded in Nebraska
Peak month
September
79 records (13.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 24 | 4.2% |
| February | 29 | 5% |
| March | 38 | 6.6% |
| Aprilpeak | 76 | 13.2% |
| May | 68 | 11.8% |
| June | 67 | 11.7% |
| Julypeak | 72 | 12.5% |
| August | 71 | 12.3% |
| Septemberpeak | 79 | 13.7% |
| October | 16 | 2.8% |
| November | 20 | 3.5% |
| December | 15 | 2.6% |
Bats you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Big Brown Bat | 220 |
| Eastern Red Bat | 33 |
| Western Small-footed Myotis | 28 |
| Northern Hoary Bat | 17 |
| Silver-haired Bat | 17 |
| Fringed Myotis | 16 |
| Little Brown Bat | 14 |
| Evening Bat | 11 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Nebraska
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when bats are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for bats sit around 36 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 36°F | 19°F | 1" |
| Feb | 34°F | 14°F | 0.7" |
| Mar | 47°F | 27°F | 2.4" |
| Aprbest time | 59°F | 36°F | 1.5" |
| May | 68°F | 48°F | 4.2" |
| Jun | 83°F | 61°F | 2.6" |
| Julbest time | 86°F | 66°F | 2.3" |
| Aug | 85°F | 65°F | 1.8" |
| Sepbest time | 79°F | 58°F | 1.5" |
| Oct | 61°F | 40°F | 1.3" |
| Nov | 51°F | 31°F | 0.9" |
| Dec | 40°F | 23°F | 1.4" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Nebraska. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on bats in Nebraska:
Sightings of bats in Nebraska peak in September, when 79 of the year's 575 verified observations are logged — about 13.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through September, April and July.
The quietest stretch is December, October and November, when bats are hardest to find — December sees just 15 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The bats you are most likely to encounter in Nebraska are Big Brown Bat, Eastern Red Bat and Western Small-footed Myotis — 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 bats in Nebraska
- Agate Fossil Beds National Monument — National Monument
- Homestead National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Missouri National Recreational River — National Recreational River
- Niobrara National Scenic River — National Scenic River
- California National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see bats in Nebraska?+
September is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through September, April and July, based on 575 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are bats hardest to see in Nebraska?+
December is the quietest month for bats in Nebraska, with only 15 verified records.
Are bats active year-round in Nebraska?+
Bats are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Nebraska, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in September.
More places to see bats
More wildlife in Nebraska