Best Time to See Squirrels in Pennsylvania
May, April and September is the best time to see squirrels in Pennsylvania. Based on 27,430 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when squirrels are most active across the year in Pennsylvania.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Northern Gray Squirrel · Mila C. CC BY
Eastern Gray Squirrel · Mila C. CC BY
Groundhog · William J. Deml CC BY
27,430 verified observations of squirrels in Pennsylvania, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When squirrels are recorded in Pennsylvania
Peak month
May
3,985 records (14.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1,073 | 3.9% |
| February | 1,291 | 4.7% |
| March | 1,881 | 6.9% |
| Aprilpeak | 3,864 | 14.1% |
| Maypeak | 3,985 | 14.5% |
| June | 3,488 | 12.7% |
| July | 1,867 | 6.8% |
| August | 1,333 | 4.9% |
| Septemberpeak | 3,803 | 13.9% |
| October | 2,390 | 8.7% |
| November | 1,401 | 5.1% |
| December | 1,054 | 3.8% |
Squirrels you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | 13,766 |
| Eastern Chipmunk | 5,778 |
| Groundhog | 4,535 |
| American Red Squirrel | 1,563 |
| Eastern Fox Squirrel | 1,053 |
| Southern Flying Squirrel | 297 |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | 19 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Pennsylvania
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 40 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 38°F | 23°F | 3.1" |
| Feb | 41°F | 23°F | 3.6" |
| Mar | 50°F | 31°F | 3.3" |
| Aprbest time | 60°F | 40°F | 4.1" |
| Maybest time | 70°F | 49°F | 4.1" |
| Jun | 79°F | 59°F | 3.9" |
| Jul | 86°F | 65°F | 3.2" |
| Aug | 84°F | 64°F | 4.3" |
| Sepbest time | 75°F | 57°F | 3.9" |
| Oct | 64°F | 47°F | 4" |
| Nov | 51°F | 35°F | 2.4" |
| Dec | 43°F | 29°F | 4.3" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Pennsylvania. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on squirrels in Pennsylvania:
Sightings of squirrels in Pennsylvania peak in May, when 3,985 of the year's 27,430 verified observations are logged — about 14.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, April and September.
The quietest stretch is December, January and February, when squirrels are hardest to find — December sees just 1,054 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 Pennsylvania are Eastern Gray Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk and Groundhog — 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 Pennsylvania
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Chesapeake Bay
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Fort Necessity National Battlefield — National Battlefield
- Friendship Hill National Historic Site — National Historic Site
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see squirrels in Pennsylvania?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, April and September, based on 27,430 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are squirrels hardest to see in Pennsylvania?+
December is the quietest month for squirrels in Pennsylvania, with only 1,054 verified records.
Are squirrels active year-round in Pennsylvania?+
Squirrels are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Pennsylvania, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More places to see squirrels
More wildlife in Pennsylvania