Best Time to See Bears in Vermont
May, June and July is the best time to see bears in Vermont. Based on 2,056 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when bears are most active across the year in Vermont.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
American Black Bear · Public domain CC0
American Black Bear · Public domain CC0
American Black Bear · Chelsea Carroll CC BY
2,056 verified observations of bears in Vermont, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When bears are recorded in Vermont
Peak month
May
378 records (18.4% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 22 | 1.1% |
| February | 27 | 1.3% |
| March | 62 | 3% |
| April | 217 | 10.6% |
| Maypeak | 378 | 18.4% |
| Junepeak | 338 | 16.4% |
| Julypeak | 270 | 13.1% |
| August | 245 | 11.9% |
| September | 185 | 9% |
| October | 137 | 6.7% |
| November | 109 | 5.3% |
| December | 66 | 3.2% |
Bears you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American Black Bear | 2,056 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Vermont
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when bears are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for bears sit around 43 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27°F | 10°F | 3.3" |
| Feb | 29°F | 10°F | 3" |
| Mar | 39°F | 20°F | 2.8" |
| Apr | 50°F | 32°F | 4.3" |
| Maybest time | 63°F | 43°F | 3.3" |
| Junbest time | 72°F | 53°F | 4" |
| Julbest time | 77°F | 60°F | 6.2" |
| Aug | 75°F | 58°F | 4.1" |
| Sep | 68°F | 51°F | 3.4" |
| Oct | 57°F | 41°F | 5.1" |
| Nov | 42°F | 26°F | 3.3" |
| Dec | 34°F | 20°F | 4.5" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Vermont. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on bears in Vermont:
Sightings of bears in Vermont peak in May, when 378 of the year's 2,056 verified observations are logged — about 18.4% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, June and July.
The quietest stretch is January and February, when bears are hardest to find — January sees just 22 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The bears you are most likely to encounter in Vermont are American Black Bear — 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 bears in Vermont
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Marsh - Billings - Rockefeller National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- North Country National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see bears in Vermont?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, June and July, based on 2,056 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are bears hardest to see in Vermont?+
January is the quietest month for bears in Vermont, with only 22 verified records.
Are bears active year-round in Vermont?+
Bears are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Vermont, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More places to see bears
More wildlife in Vermont