Best Time to See Hawks in South Carolina
January, May and February is the best time to see hawks in South Carolina. Based on 8,279 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when hawks are most active across the year in South Carolina.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
8,279 verified observations of hawks in South Carolina, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When hawks are recorded in South Carolina
Peak month
January
873 records (10.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 873 | 10.5% |
| Februarypeak | 791 | 9.6% |
| March | 777 | 9.4% |
| April | 700 | 8.5% |
| Maypeak | 817 | 9.9% |
| June | 644 | 7.8% |
| July | 610 | 7.4% |
| August | 570 | 6.9% |
| September | 493 | 6% |
| October | 611 | 7.4% |
| November | 624 | 7.5% |
| December | 769 | 9.3% |
Hawks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Red-shouldered Hawk | 2,720 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 1,885 |
| Bald Eagle | 1,459 |
| Cooper's Hawk | 669 |
| Mississippi Kite | 655 |
| Swallow-tailed Kite | 295 |
| Northern Harrier | 210 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 121 |
Sightings of hawks in South Carolina peak in January, when 873 of the year's 8,279 verified observations are logged — about 10.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through January, May and February.
The quietest stretch is September, August and July, when hawks are hardest to find — September sees just 493 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The hawks you are most likely to encounter in South Carolina are Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk and 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 hawks in South Carolina
- Charles Pinckney National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Ninety Six National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Congaree National Park — National Park
- Cowpens National Battlefield — National Battlefield
Plan your hawk trip in South Carolina
Start with live tours near Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main hawk viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best hawk viewing area in South Carolina.
Viator
Broader backupBook a hawk tour in South Carolina
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see hawks in South Carolina?+
January is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through January, May and February, based on 8,279 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are hawks hardest to see in South Carolina?+
September is the quietest month for hawks in South Carolina, with only 493 verified records.
Are hawks active year-round in South Carolina?+
Hawks are recorded in 12 of 12 months in South Carolina, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in January.
More places to see hawks
More wildlife in South Carolina