Raccoons in North Carolina in January
Yes, January is a good month to see raccoons in North Carolina. It is the 6th busiest month of the year, with 404 of the 4,687 sightings logged across the year (8.6%), 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.
Good month for raccoons in North Carolina
8.6%
of yearly sightings
404
records in January
#6
busiest month of 12
4,687
verified records a year
December 6.3%, January 8.6%, February 9.6%. Busiest month is April at 12.7%.
4,687 verified observations of raccoons in North Carolina, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When raccoons are recorded in North Carolina
Peak month
April
593 records (12.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 404 | 8.6% |
| February | 448 | 9.6% |
| Marchpeak | 457 | 9.8% |
| Aprilpeak | 593 | 12.7% |
| Maypeak | 449 | 9.6% |
| June | 448 | 9.6% |
| July | 288 | 6.1% |
| August | 262 | 5.6% |
| September | 322 | 6.9% |
| October | 341 | 7.3% |
| November | 380 | 8.1% |
| December | 295 | 6.3% |
Raccoons you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Common Raccoon | 4,687 |
In North Carolina, January carries 8.6% of the year's raccoons sightings, about 0.3 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 6th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is rising from December (6.3%) into January, and it heads toward February (9.6%) after. The busiest month is April (12.7%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The raccoons most often recorded in North Carolina are Common Raccoon. Those counts are annual totals rather than a January split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in January itself.
Which raccoons you are most likely to see
- Common Raccoon4,687 records
Plan your raccoon 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 raccoon viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best raccoon viewing area in North Carolina.
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Broader backupBook a raccoon 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 raccoons in North Carolina in January?+
Yes. January accounts for 404 of the 4,687 verified raccoons sightings logged in North Carolina across the year, which is 8.6% of the annual total.
Is January a good time to see raccoons in North Carolina?+
January is the 6th busiest month. It is workable, though April and March is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for raccoons in North Carolina?+
April is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through April, March and May, based on 4,687 verified observations.
Which raccoons are you most likely to see in North Carolina?+
The most-recorded species in North Carolina are Common Raccoon, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See raccoons in North Carolina in other months
More places to see raccoons
More wildlife in North Carolina