Best Time to See Pelicans in New Hampshire
December and October is the best time to see pelicans in New Hampshire. Based on 3 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when pelicans are most active across the year in New Hampshire.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
3 verified observations of pelicans in New Hampshire, recorded across 2 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in New Hampshire
Peak month
December
2 records (66.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 0 | 0% |
| April | 0 | 0% |
| May | 0 | 0% |
| June | 0 | 0% |
| July | 0 | 0% |
| August | 0 | 0% |
| September | 0 | 0% |
| Octoberpeak | 1 | 33.3% |
| November | 0 | 0% |
| Decemberpeak | 2 | 66.7% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American White Pelican | 3 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in New Hampshire
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 17 to 53 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 24°F | 8°F | 4.1" |
| Feb | 25°F | 8°F | 3.6" |
| Mar | 34°F | 18°F | 3.3" |
| Apr | 45°F | 29°F | 5.2" |
| May | 58°F | 40°F | 4.1" |
| Jun | 67°F | 50°F | 4.8" |
| Jul | 72°F | 57°F | 7.1" |
| Aug | 70°F | 56°F | 4.5" |
| Sep | 63°F | 48°F | 4.5" |
| Octbest time | 53°F | 39°F | 5.6" |
| Nov | 38°F | 24°F | 4.2" |
| Decbest time | 30°F | 17°F | 6" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for New Hampshire. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of pelicans in New Hampshire peak in December, when 2 of the year's 3 verified observations are logged — about 66.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through December and October.
The quietest stretch is January, February and March, 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Odiorne Point SP, Rye
- New Hampshire Coast (consider using a more specific location)
- Isles of Shoals (NH)
- Isles of Shoals--Star Island, Rye
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see pelicans in New Hampshire?+
December is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through December and October, based on 3 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are pelicans hardest to see in New Hampshire?+
January is the quietest month for pelicans in New Hampshire, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are pelicans active year-round in New Hampshire?+
Pelicans are recorded in 2 of 12 months in New Hampshire, concentrated around December and October.
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in New Hampshire