Best Time to See Blue Jays in Washington
November, October and January is the best time to see blue jays in Washington. Based on 57 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when blue jays are most active across the year in Washington.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 20, 2026.

Blue Jay · Matthew Cozart CC BY-ND

Blue Jay · Matthew Cozart CC BY-ND

Blue Jay · Matthew Cozart CC BY-ND
57 verified observations of blue jays in Washington, recorded across 8 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When blue jays are recorded in Washington
Peak month
November
26 records (45.6% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 4 | 7% |
| February | 1 | 1.8% |
| March | 2 | 3.5% |
| April | 0 | 0% |
| May | 4 | 7% |
| June | 0 | 0% |
| July | 0 | 0% |
| August | 0 | 0% |
| September | 3 | 5.3% |
| Octoberpeak | 14 | 24.6% |
| Novemberpeak | 26 | 45.6% |
| December | 3 | 5.3% |
Blue Jays you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Blue Jay | 57 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Washington
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when blue jays are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for blue jays sit around 24 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Janbest time | 35°F | 24°F | 4.5" |
| Feb | 36°F | 22°F | 2.8" |
| Mar | 46°F | 28°F | 1.2" |
| Apr | 56°F | 33°F | 1.3" |
| May | 67°F | 44°F | 1.2" |
| Jun | 76°F | 51°F | 0.9" |
| Jul | 86°F | 57°F | 0.2" |
| Aug | 86°F | 58°F | 0.3" |
| Sep | 74°F | 50°F | 1.1" |
| Octbest time | 59°F | 39°F | 1.7" |
| Novbest time | 42°F | 29°F | 3.6" |
| Dec | 33°F | 23°F | 3.6" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Washington. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of blue jays in Washington peak in November, when 26 of the year's 57 verified observations are logged — about 45.6% of the annual total. Activity stays high through November, October and January.
The quietest stretch is April, June and July, when blue jays are hardest to find — no verified records exist for April. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The blue jays you are most likely to encounter in Washington are Blue Jay — 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 blue jays in Washington
- Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve — National Historical Reserve
- Fort Vancouver National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Lewis and Clark National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Mount Rainier National Park — National Park
- Nez Perce National Historical Park — National Historical Park
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see blue jays in Washington?+
November is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through November, October and January, based on 57 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are blue jays hardest to see in Washington?+
April is the quietest month for blue jays in Washington, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are blue jays active year-round in Washington?+
Blue jays are recorded in 8 of 12 months in Washington, concentrated around November and October.
More wildlife in Washington