Squirrels in Virginia in October
Yes, October is one of the best months to see squirrels in Virginia. It is the 3rd busiest month of the year, with 2,437 of the 23,584 sightings logged across the year (10.3%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
Peak month for squirrels in Virginia
10.3%
of yearly sightings
2,437
records in October
#3
busiest month of 12
23,584
verified records a year
September 6.7%, October 10.3%, November 6.6%. Busiest month is April at 18%.
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 |
In Virginia, October carries 10.3% of the year's squirrels sightings, about 2 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 3rd busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is rising from September (6.7%) into October, and it heads toward November (6.6%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so October is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.
The squirrels most often recorded in Virginia are Eastern Gray Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk and Groundhog. Those counts are annual totals rather than a October split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in October itself.
Which squirrels you are most likely to see
- Eastern Gray Squirrel16,328 records
- Eastern Chipmunk3,205 records
- Groundhog2,517 records
- Eastern Fox Squirrel982 records
- Southern Flying Squirrel305 records
- American Red Squirrel57 records
Plan your squirrel trip in Virginia
Start with live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
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Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main squirrel viewing area.
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Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
Can you see squirrels in Virginia in October?+
Yes. October accounts for 2,437 of the 23,584 verified squirrels sightings logged in Virginia across the year, which is 10.3% of the annual total.
Is October a good time to see squirrels in Virginia?+
October is one of the best months. It ranks 3rd of the year and sits inside the peak window of April, May and October.
What month is best for squirrels in Virginia?+
April is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through April, May and October, based on 23,584 verified observations.
Which squirrels are you most likely to see in Virginia?+
The most-recorded species in Virginia are Eastern Gray Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk and Groundhog, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See squirrels in Virginia in other months
More wildlife in Virginia