Best Time to See Squirrels in Virginia
April, May and October is the best time to see squirrels in Virginia. Based on 23,584 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when squirrels are most active across the year in Virginia.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
23,584 verified observations of squirrels in Virginia, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When squirrels are recorded in Virginia
Peak month
April
4,234 records (18% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1,216 | 5.2% |
| February | 1,418 | 6% |
| March | 2,264 | 9.6% |
| Aprilpeak | 4,234 | 18% |
| Maypeak | 3,006 | 12.7% |
| June | 2,322 | 9.8% |
| July | 1,306 | 5.5% |
| August | 1,010 | 4.3% |
| September | 1,589 | 6.7% |
| Octoberpeak | 2,437 | 10.3% |
| November | 1,559 | 6.6% |
| December | 1,223 | 5.2% |
Squirrels you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | 16,328 |
| Eastern Chipmunk | 3,205 |
| Groundhog | 2,517 |
| Eastern Fox Squirrel | 982 |
| Southern Flying Squirrel | 305 |
| American Red Squirrel | 57 |
Sightings of squirrels in Virginia peak in April, when 4,234 of the year's 23,584 verified observations are logged — about 18% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, May and October.
The quietest stretch is August, January and December, when squirrels are hardest to find — August sees just 1,010 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 Virginia are Eastern Gray Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk and Groundhog — 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 Virginia
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Appomattox Court House National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Assateague Island National Seashore — National Seashore
- Blue Ridge Parkway — Parkway
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Chesapeake Bay
Tours and experiences nearby
Booking.com
Stay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best squirrel viewing in Virginia.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see squirrels in Virginia?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, May and October, based on 23,584 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are squirrels hardest to see in Virginia?+
August is the quietest month for squirrels in Virginia, with only 1,010 verified records.
Are squirrels active year-round in Virginia?+
Squirrels are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Virginia, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More wildlife in Virginia