Best Time to See Pelicans in North Dakota
June, May and July is the best time to see pelicans in North Dakota. Based on 345 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when pelicans 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.
345 verified observations of pelicans in North Dakota, recorded across 9 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in North Dakota
Peak month
June
103 records (29.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 1 | 0.3% |
| April | 21 | 6.1% |
| Maypeak | 78 | 22.6% |
| Junepeak | 103 | 29.9% |
| Julypeak | 71 | 20.6% |
| August | 36 | 10.4% |
| September | 26 | 7.5% |
| October | 6 | 1.7% |
| November | 3 | 0.9% |
| December | 0 | 0% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American White Pelican | 344 |
Sightings of pelicans in North Dakota peak in June, when 103 of the year's 345 verified observations are logged — about 29.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, May and July.
The quietest stretch is January, February and December, when pelicans are hardest to find — no verified records exist for January. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The pelicans you are most likely to encounter in North Dakota are American White Pelican — 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 pelicans 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)
Tours and experiences nearby
Viator
Book a pelican tour in North Dakota
Guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences, with free cancellation on most.
Booking.com
Stay near Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best pelican viewing in North Dakota.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see pelicans in North Dakota?+
June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, May and July, based on 345 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are pelicans hardest to see in North Dakota?+
January is the quietest month for pelicans in North Dakota, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are pelicans active year-round in North Dakota?+
Pelicans are recorded in 9 of 12 months in North Dakota, concentrated around June and May.
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in North Dakota