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.

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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 photographed in NebraskaBig Brown Bat photographed in NebraskaWestern Small-footed Myotis photographed in Nebraska
Photos by iNaturalist observers, used under Creative Commons.
Best months: September, April, JulyPeak season right now

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)

Quietest month

December

15 records

MonthObservationsShare
January244.2%
February295%
March386.6%
Aprilpeak7613.2%
May6811.8%
June6711.7%
Julypeak7212.5%
August7112.3%
Septemberpeak7913.7%
October162.8%
November203.5%
December152.6%

Bats you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Big Brown Bat220
Eastern Red Bat33
Western Small-footed Myotis28
Northern Hoary Bat17
Silver-haired Bat17
Fringed Myotis16
Little Brown Bat14
Evening Bat11

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 MonumentNational Monument
  • Homestead National Historical ParkNational Historical Park
  • Lewis & Clark National Historic TrailNational Historic Trail
  • Missouri National Recreational RiverNational Recreational River
  • Niobrara National Scenic RiverNational Scenic River
  • California National Historic TrailNational Historic Trail
Plan your tripAgate Fossil Beds National Monument

Plan your bat trip in Nebraska

Start with live tours near Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.

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.