Best Time to See Squirrels in South Dakota
June, July and August is the best time to see squirrels in South Dakota. Based on 4,702 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when squirrels 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.
Black-tailed Prairie Dog · John Clonce CC BY
Franklin's Ground Squirrel · Public domain CC0
Black-tailed Prairie Dog · Margery L. Oldfield CC BY-ND
4,702 verified observations of squirrels in South Dakota, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When squirrels are recorded in South Dakota
Peak month
June
1,133 records (24.1% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 37 | 0.8% |
| February | 35 | 0.7% |
| March | 87 | 1.9% |
| April | 205 | 4.4% |
| May | 615 | 13.1% |
| Junepeak | 1,133 | 24.1% |
| Julypeak | 1,037 | 22.1% |
| Augustpeak | 636 | 13.5% |
| September | 535 | 11.4% |
| October | 243 | 5.2% |
| November | 82 | 1.7% |
| December | 57 | 1.2% |
Squirrels you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Black-tailed Prairie Dog | 2,477 |
| Least Chipmunk | 749 |
| Eastern Fox Squirrel | 462 |
| Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel | 341 |
| American Red Squirrel | 287 |
| Yellow-bellied Marmot | 216 |
| Richardson's Ground Squirrel | 70 |
| Groundhog | 45 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in South Dakota
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 63 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31°F | 16°F | 0.5" |
| Feb | 31°F | 11°F | 0.7" |
| Mar | 44°F | 25°F | 1.6" |
| Apr | 54°F | 34°F | 2.4" |
| May | 68°F | 49°F | 3.7" |
| Junbest time | 84°F | 63°F | 2.2" |
| Julbest time | 87°F | 67°F | 2.5" |
| Augbest time | 86°F | 66°F | 1.6" |
| Sep | 78°F | 58°F | 2.1" |
| Oct | 58°F | 40°F | 2" |
| Nov | 46°F | 29°F | 0.8" |
| Dec | 35°F | 19°F | 1.3" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for South Dakota. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on squirrels in South Dakota:
Sightings of squirrels in South Dakota peak in June, when 1,133 of the year's 4,702 verified observations are logged — about 24.1% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, July and August.
The quietest stretch is February and January, when squirrels are hardest to find — February sees just 35 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 South Dakota are Black-tailed Prairie Dog, Least Chipmunk and Eastern Fox 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 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
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see squirrels in South Dakota?+
June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, July and August, based on 4,702 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are squirrels hardest to see in South Dakota?+
February is the quietest month for squirrels in South Dakota, with only 35 verified records.
Are squirrels active year-round in South Dakota?+
Squirrels are recorded in 12 of 12 months in South Dakota, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in June.
More places to see squirrels
More wildlife in South Dakota