Best Time to See Bald Eagles in North Dakota
March, May and December is the best time to see bald eagles in North Dakota. Based on 239 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when bald eagles are most active across the year in North Dakota.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
239 verified observations of bald eagles in North Dakota, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When bald eagles are recorded in North Dakota
Peak month
March
32 records (13.4% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 15 | 6.3% |
| February | 6 | 2.5% |
| Marchpeak | 32 | 13.4% |
| April | 17 | 7.1% |
| Maypeak | 28 | 11.7% |
| June | 20 | 8.4% |
| July | 20 | 8.4% |
| August | 19 | 7.9% |
| September | 13 | 5.4% |
| October | 16 | 6.7% |
| November | 26 | 10.9% |
| Decemberpeak | 27 | 11.3% |
Bald Eagles you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Bald Eagle | 239 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in North Dakota
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when bald eagles are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for bald eagles sit around 11 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 21°F | 6°F | 0.7" |
| Feb | 18°F | 1°F | 0.7" |
| Marbest time | 34°F | 17°F | 0.7" |
| Apr | 46°F | 28°F | 2.1" |
| Maybest time | 64°F | 43°F | 2.3" |
| Jun | 77°F | 57°F | 2.8" |
| Jul | 80°F | 61°F | 2" |
| Aug | 79°F | 60°F | 2" |
| Sep | 71°F | 52°F | 2.3" |
| Oct | 51°F | 36°F | 2.4" |
| Nov | 37°F | 23°F | 1" |
| Decbest time | 25°F | 11°F | 1.2" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for North Dakota. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on bald eagles in North Dakota:
Sightings of bald eagles in North Dakota peak in March, when 32 of the year's 239 verified observations are logged — about 13.4% of the annual total. Activity stays high through March, May and December.
The quietest stretch is February, when bald eagles are hardest to find — February sees just 6 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The bald eagles you are most likely to encounter in North Dakota are Bald Eagle — 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 bald eagles in North Dakota
- Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- North Country National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park — National Park
- Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Arrowwood NWR (general)
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see bald eagles in North Dakota?+
March is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through March, May and December, based on 239 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are bald eagles hardest to see in North Dakota?+
February is the quietest month for bald eagles in North Dakota, with only 6 verified records.
Are bald eagles active year-round in North Dakota?+
Bald eagles are recorded in 12 of 12 months in North Dakota, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in March.
More places to see bald eagles
More wildlife in North Dakota