Best Time to See Squirrels in Oregon
May, June and April is the best time to see squirrels in Oregon. Based on 24,557 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when squirrels are most active across the year in Oregon.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Merriam's Ground Squirrel · Christopher Lindsey CC BY
Eastern Fox Squirrel · Tser CC BY
Douglas's Squirrel · Public domain CC0
24,557 verified observations of squirrels in Oregon, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When squirrels are recorded in Oregon
Peak month
May
3,207 records (13.1% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 946 | 3.9% |
| February | 1,131 | 4.6% |
| March | 1,967 | 8% |
| Aprilpeak | 2,888 | 11.8% |
| Maypeak | 3,207 | 13.1% |
| Junepeak | 3,086 | 12.6% |
| July | 2,566 | 10.4% |
| August | 2,674 | 10.9% |
| September | 2,189 | 8.9% |
| October | 1,692 | 6.9% |
| November | 1,144 | 4.7% |
| December | 1,067 | 4.3% |
Squirrels you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | 3,603 |
| Douglas's Squirrel | 3,065 |
| Douglas's Ground Squirrel | 2,992 |
| Eastern Fox Squirrel | 2,754 |
| Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel | 2,614 |
| Townsend's Chipmunk | 2,224 |
| Western Gray Squirrel | 1,889 |
| Belding's Ground Squirrel | 1,505 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Oregon
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 32 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39°F | 26°F | 2" |
| Feb | 38°F | 22°F | 2.4" |
| Mar | 43°F | 25°F | 1.9" |
| Aprbest time | 52°F | 32°F | 2.2" |
| Maybest time | 61°F | 40°F | 2" |
| Junbest time | 71°F | 48°F | 1.1" |
| Jul | 83°F | 56°F | 0.1" |
| Aug | 81°F | 56°F | 0.4" |
| Sep | 71°F | 47°F | 1.2" |
| Oct | 58°F | 37°F | 1.2" |
| Nov | 45°F | 28°F | 2.3" |
| Dec | 37°F | 25°F | 2.4" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Oregon. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on squirrels in Oregon:
Sightings of squirrels in Oregon peak in May, when 3,207 of the year's 24,557 verified observations are logged — about 13.1% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, June and April.
The quietest stretch is January, December and February, when squirrels are hardest to find — January sees just 946 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 Oregon are Eastern Gray Squirrel, Douglas's Squirrel and Douglas's Ground Squirrel — 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 Oregon
- Crater Lake National Park — National Park
- Fort Vancouver National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Lewis and Clark National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Nez Perce National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve — National Monument & Preserve
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see squirrels in Oregon?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, June and April, based on 24,557 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are squirrels hardest to see in Oregon?+
January is the quietest month for squirrels in Oregon, with only 946 verified records.
Are squirrels active year-round in Oregon?+
Squirrels are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Oregon, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More places to see squirrels
More wildlife in Oregon