Best Time to See Eagles in Tennessee
December, January and November is the best time to see eagles in Tennessee. Based on 12,184 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when eagles are most active across the year in Tennessee.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Red-shouldered Hawk · Stosh Morency CC BY
Red-shouldered Hawk · Sawyer Baran CC BY
Bald Eagle · Mark Jefferson Lawrence CC BY
12,184 verified observations of eagles in Tennessee, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When eagles are recorded in Tennessee
Peak month
December
1,428 records (11.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 1,394 | 11.4% |
| February | 1,355 | 11.1% |
| March | 1,148 | 9.4% |
| April | 1,073 | 8.8% |
| May | 887 | 7.3% |
| June | 719 | 5.9% |
| July | 588 | 4.8% |
| August | 707 | 5.8% |
| September | 623 | 5.1% |
| October | 903 | 7.4% |
| Novemberpeak | 1,359 | 11.2% |
| Decemberpeak | 1,428 | 11.7% |
Eagles you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Red-tailed Hawk | 4,946 |
| Red-shouldered Hawk | 2,397 |
| Bald Eagle | 1,746 |
| Cooper's Hawk | 1,227 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 501 |
| Mississippi Kite | 468 |
| Northern Harrier | 447 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 122 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Tennessee
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when eagles are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for eagles sit around 33 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Janbest time | 49°F | 33°F | 6" |
| Feb | 54°F | 36°F | 7.3" |
| Mar | 62°F | 42°F | 7.5" |
| Apr | 68°F | 48°F | 4.7" |
| May | 77°F | 58°F | 5.3" |
| Jun | 84°F | 65°F | 6.2" |
| Jul | 87°F | 70°F | 7.4" |
| Aug | 86°F | 69°F | 8.3" |
| Sep | 82°F | 64°F | 3.2" |
| Oct | 72°F | 53°F | 4.8" |
| Novbest time | 59°F | 41°F | 2.9" |
| Decbest time | 54°F | 38°F | 5.9" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Tennessee. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on eagles in Tennessee:
Sightings of eagles in Tennessee peak in December, when 1,428 of the year's 12,184 verified observations are logged — about 11.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through December, January and November.
The quietest stretch is July, September and August, when eagles are hardest to find — July sees just 588 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The eagles you are most likely to encounter in Tennessee are Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered 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 eagles in Tennessee
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area — National River & Recreation Area
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park — National Park
- Natchez Trace Parkway — Parkway
- Obed Wild & Scenic River — Wild & Scenic River
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see eagles in Tennessee?+
December is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through December, January and November, based on 12,184 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are eagles hardest to see in Tennessee?+
July is the quietest month for eagles in Tennessee, with only 588 verified records.
Are eagles active year-round in Tennessee?+
Eagles are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Tennessee, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in December.
More places to see eagles
More wildlife in Tennessee