Bats in New Mexico in September

Yes, September is a good month to see bats in New Mexico. It is the 5th busiest month of the year, with 122 of the 1,057 sightings logged across the year (11.5%), based on verified iNaturalist records.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.

Northern Hoary Bat photographed in New MexicoTownsend's Big-eared Bat photographed in New MexicoNorthern Hoary Bat photographed in New Mexico
Photos by iNaturalist observers, used under Creative Commons.

Good month for bats in New Mexico

11.5%

of yearly sightings

122

records in September

#5

busiest month of 12

1,057

verified records a year

August 15.2%, September 11.5%, October 4.2%. Busiest month is June at 17.7%.

Best months: June, May, JulyPeak season right now

1,057 verified observations of bats in New Mexico, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When bats are recorded in New Mexico

Peak month

June

187 records (17.7% of the year)

Quietest month

December

7 records

MonthObservationsShare
January111%
February171.6%
March252.4%
April11210.6%
Maypeak18617.6%
Junepeak18717.7%
Julypeak16615.7%
August16115.2%
September12211.5%
October444.2%
November191.8%
December70.7%

Bats you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Pallid Bat132
Mexican Free-tailed Bat97
Big Brown Bat89
Silver-haired Bat88
Northern Hoary Bat47
Townsend's Big-eared Bat45
Canyon Bat28
Fringed Myotis20

In New Mexico, September carries 11.5% of the year's bats sightings, about 3.2 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 5th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.

Activity is easing off from August (15.2%) into September, and it heads toward October (4.2%) after. The busiest month is June (17.7%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.

The bats most often recorded in New Mexico are Pallid Bat, Mexican Free-tailed Bat and Big Brown Bat. Those counts are annual totals rather than a September split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in September itself.

Which bats you are most likely to see

  • Pallid Bat132 records
  • Mexican Free-tailed Bat97 records
  • Big Brown Bat89 records
  • Silver-haired Bat88 records
  • Northern Hoary Bat47 records
  • Townsend's Big-eared Bat45 records
Plan your tripBandelier National Monument

Plan your bat trip in New Mexico

Start with live tours near Bandelier 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

Can you see bats in New Mexico in September?+

Yes. September accounts for 122 of the 1,057 verified bats sightings logged in New Mexico across the year, which is 11.5% of the annual total.

Is September a good time to see bats in New Mexico?+

September is the 5th busiest month. It is workable, though June and May is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.

What month is best for bats in New Mexico?+

June is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through June, May and July, based on 1,057 verified observations.

Which bats are you most likely to see in New Mexico?+

The most-recorded species in New Mexico are Pallid Bat, Mexican Free-tailed Bat and Big Brown Bat, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.