Pelicans in North Carolina in May
Yes, May is one of the best months to see pelicans in North Carolina. It is the 3rd busiest month of the year, with 260 of the 2,719 sightings logged across the year (9.6%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
Peak month for pelicans in North Carolina
9.6%
of yearly sightings
260
records in May
#3
busiest month of 12
2,719
verified records a year
April 8.3%, May 9.6%, June 11.9%. Busiest month is June at 11.9%.
2,719 verified observations of pelicans in North Carolina, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in North Carolina
Peak month
June
324 records (11.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 204 | 7.5% |
| February | 146 | 5.4% |
| March | 223 | 8.2% |
| April | 226 | 8.3% |
| Maypeak | 260 | 9.6% |
| Junepeak | 324 | 11.9% |
| July | 240 | 8.8% |
| Augustpeak | 285 | 10.5% |
| September | 142 | 5.2% |
| October | 215 | 7.9% |
| November | 195 | 7.2% |
| December | 259 | 9.5% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Brown Pelican | 2,408 |
| American White Pelican | 307 |
In North Carolina, May carries 9.6% of the year's pelicans sightings, about 1.3 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 3rd busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is rising from April (8.3%) into May, and it heads toward June (11.9%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so May is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.
The pelicans most often recorded in North Carolina are Brown Pelican and American White Pelican. Those counts are annual totals rather than a May split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in May itself.
Which pelicans you are most likely to see
- Brown Pelican2,408 records
- American White Pelican307 records
Plan your pelican trip in North Carolina
Start with live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main pelican viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best pelican viewing area in North Carolina.
Viator
Broader backupBook a pelican tour in North Carolina
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see pelicans in North Carolina in May?+
Yes. May accounts for 260 of the 2,719 verified pelicans sightings logged in North Carolina across the year, which is 9.6% of the annual total.
Is May a good time to see pelicans in North Carolina?+
May is one of the best months. It ranks 3rd of the year and sits inside the peak window of June, August and May.
What month is best for pelicans in North Carolina?+
June is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through June, August and May, based on 2,719 verified observations.
Which pelicans are you most likely to see in North Carolina?+
The most-recorded species in North Carolina are Brown Pelican and American White Pelican, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See pelicans in North Carolina in other months
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in North Carolina