Best Time to See Dark Eyed Juncos in Washington
May, April and June is the best time to see dark eyed juncos in Washington. Based on 14,331 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when dark eyed juncos 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.
Dark-eyed Junco · Cali Ellis CC BY
Dark-eyed Junco · Muhammad Arrabi CC BY
Dark-eyed Junco · Gavin Slater CC BY
14,331 verified observations of dark eyed juncos in Washington, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When dark eyed juncos are recorded in Washington
Peak month
May
2,071 records (14.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1,019 | 7.1% |
| February | 918 | 6.4% |
| March | 1,419 | 9.9% |
| Aprilpeak | 2,029 | 14.2% |
| Maypeak | 2,071 | 14.5% |
| Junepeak | 1,655 | 11.5% |
| July | 1,338 | 9.3% |
| August | 705 | 4.9% |
| September | 638 | 4.5% |
| October | 803 | 5.6% |
| November | 863 | 6% |
| December | 873 | 6.1% |
Dark Eyed Juncos you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Dark-eyed Junco | 14,331 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Washington
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when dark eyed juncos are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for dark eyed juncos sit around 33 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 35°F | 24°F | 4.5" |
| Feb | 36°F | 22°F | 2.8" |
| Mar | 46°F | 28°F | 1.2" |
| Aprbest time | 56°F | 33°F | 1.3" |
| Maybest time | 67°F | 44°F | 1.2" |
| Junbest time | 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" |
| Oct | 59°F | 39°F | 1.7" |
| Nov | 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 dark eyed juncos in Washington peak in May, when 2,071 of the year's 14,331 verified observations are logged — about 14.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, April and June.
The quietest stretch is September, August and October, when dark eyed juncos are hardest to find — September sees just 638 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The dark eyed juncos you are most likely to encounter in Washington are Dark-eyed Junco — 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 dark eyed juncos 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 dark eyed juncos in Washington?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, April and June, based on 14,331 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are dark eyed juncos hardest to see in Washington?+
September is the quietest month for dark eyed juncos in Washington, with only 638 verified records.
Are dark eyed juncos active year-round in Washington?+
Dark eyed juncos are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Washington, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More wildlife in Washington