Best Time to See Pelicans in South Carolina
December, March and February is the best time to see pelicans in South Carolina. Based on 3,175 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when pelicans 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 July 2, 2026.
3,175 verified observations of pelicans in South Carolina, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in South Carolina
Peak month
December
367 records (11.6% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 311 | 9.8% |
| Februarypeak | 314 | 9.9% |
| Marchpeak | 334 | 10.5% |
| April | 263 | 8.3% |
| May | 297 | 9.4% |
| June | 313 | 9.9% |
| July | 212 | 6.7% |
| August | 205 | 6.5% |
| September | 131 | 4.1% |
| October | 167 | 5.3% |
| November | 261 | 8.2% |
| Decemberpeak | 367 | 11.6% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Brown Pelican | 2,808 |
| American White Pelican | 357 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in South Carolina
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when pelicans are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for pelicans sit around 43 to 69 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 57°F | 41°F | 4.6" |
| Febbest time | 63°F | 44°F | 4" |
| Marbest time | 69°F | 49°F | 4" |
| Apr | 76°F | 54°F | 4.5" |
| May | 83°F | 63°F | 3.4" |
| Jun | 88°F | 69°F | 4.2" |
| Jul | 92°F | 74°F | 5.2" |
| Aug | 90°F | 73°F | 4.9" |
| Sep | 85°F | 67°F | 4.1" |
| Oct | 77°F | 58°F | 2.3" |
| Nov | 66°F | 47°F | 2.7" |
| Decbest time | 60°F | 43°F | 4.5" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for South Carolina. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of pelicans in South Carolina peak in December, when 367 of the year's 3,175 verified observations are logged — about 11.6% of the annual total. Activity stays high through December, March and February.
The quietest stretch is September and October, when pelicans are hardest to find — September sees just 131 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The pelicans you are most likely to encounter in South Carolina are Brown Pelican and 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 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
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see pelicans in South Carolina?+
December is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through December, March and February, based on 3,175 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are pelicans hardest to see in South Carolina?+
September is the quietest month for pelicans in South Carolina, with only 131 verified records.
Are pelicans active year-round in South Carolina?+
Pelicans are recorded in 12 of 12 months in South Carolina, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in December.
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in South Carolina