Best Time to See Squirrels in New York
April, May and September is the best time to see squirrels in New York. Based on 42,378 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when squirrels are most active across the year in New York.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Southern Flying Squirrel · Hila Taylor CC BY
Eastern Gray Squirrel · Andrew Garn CC BY
Eastern Gray Squirrel · eml23 CC BY
42,378 verified observations of squirrels in New York, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When squirrels are recorded in New York
Peak month
April
6,164 records (14.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1,720 | 4.1% |
| February | 1,749 | 4.1% |
| March | 2,872 | 6.8% |
| Aprilpeak | 6,164 | 14.5% |
| Maypeak | 5,697 | 13.4% |
| June | 4,633 | 10.9% |
| July | 3,366 | 7.9% |
| August | 2,911 | 6.9% |
| Septemberpeak | 4,728 | 11.2% |
| October | 4,179 | 9.9% |
| November | 2,334 | 5.5% |
| December | 2,025 | 4.8% |
Squirrels you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | 25,573 |
| Eastern Chipmunk | 7,891 |
| Groundhog | 5,343 |
| American Red Squirrel | 2,683 |
| Southern Flying Squirrel | 288 |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | 62 |
| Eastern Fox Squirrel | 34 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in New York
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when squirrels are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for squirrels sit around 34 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29°F | 15°F | 3.7" |
| Feb | 32°F | 16°F | 3.6" |
| Mar | 41°F | 23°F | 3.8" |
| Aprbest time | 52°F | 34°F | 4.9" |
| Maybest time | 63°F | 45°F | 3.9" |
| Jun | 72°F | 55°F | 3.8" |
| Jul | 77°F | 61°F | 5.3" |
| Aug | 75°F | 60°F | 5.3" |
| Sepbest time | 68°F | 53°F | 3.4" |
| Oct | 58°F | 44°F | 5.1" |
| Nov | 43°F | 30°F | 3.3" |
| Dec | 36°F | 24°F | 4.7" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for New York. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on squirrels in New York:
Sightings of squirrels in New York peak in April, when 6,164 of the year's 42,378 verified observations are logged — about 14.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, May and September.
The quietest stretch is January, February and December, when squirrels are hardest to find — January sees just 1,720 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The squirrels you are most likely to encounter in New York are Eastern Gray Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk and Groundhog — 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 squirrels in New York
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Chesapeake Bay
- Fire Island National Seashore — National Seashore
- Martin Van Buren National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- National Parks of New York Harbor
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see squirrels in New York?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, May and September, based on 42,378 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are squirrels hardest to see in New York?+
January is the quietest month for squirrels in New York, with only 1,720 verified records.
Are squirrels active year-round in New York?+
Squirrels are recorded in 12 of 12 months in New York, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More places to see squirrels
More wildlife in New York