Best Time to See Hawks in South Dakota
April, May and March is the best time to see hawks in South Dakota. Based on 2,022 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when hawks are most active across the year in South Dakota.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
2,022 verified observations of hawks in South Dakota, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When hawks are recorded in South Dakota
Peak month
April
264 records (13.1% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 187 | 9.2% |
| February | 136 | 6.7% |
| Marchpeak | 195 | 9.6% |
| Aprilpeak | 264 | 13.1% |
| Maypeak | 199 | 9.8% |
| June | 122 | 6% |
| July | 127 | 6.3% |
| August | 189 | 9.3% |
| September | 172 | 8.5% |
| October | 130 | 6.4% |
| November | 142 | 7% |
| December | 159 | 7.9% |
Hawks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Bald Eagle | 601 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 526 |
| Northern Harrier | 169 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 149 |
| Swainson's Hawk | 126 |
| Cooper's Hawk | 115 |
| Golden Eagle | 111 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 73 |
Sightings of hawks in South Dakota peak in April, when 264 of the year's 2,022 verified observations are logged — about 13.1% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, May and March.
The quietest stretch is June, July and October, when hawks are hardest to find — June sees just 122 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 Dakota are Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk and Northern Harrier — 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 Dakota
- Badlands National Park — National Park
- Jewel Cave National Monument — National Monument
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Missouri National Recreational River — National Recreational River
- Wind Cave National Park — National Park
- Minuteman Missile National Historic Site — National Historic Site
Plan your hawk trip in South Dakota
Start with live tours near Badlands National Park, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Badlands National Park
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main hawk viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Badlands National Park
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best hawk viewing area in South Dakota.
Viator
Broader backupBook a hawk tour in South Dakota
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 Dakota?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, May and March, based on 2,022 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are hawks hardest to see in South Dakota?+
June is the quietest month for hawks in South Dakota, with only 122 verified records.
Are hawks active year-round in South Dakota?+
Hawks are recorded in 12 of 12 months in South Dakota, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.