Best Time to See Bald Eagles in West Virginia
December, January and March is the best time to see bald eagles in West Virginia. Based on 469 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when bald eagles are most active across the year in West Virginia.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
469 verified observations of bald eagles in West Virginia, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When bald eagles are recorded in West Virginia
Peak month
December
54 records (11.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 52 | 11.1% |
| February | 50 | 10.7% |
| Marchpeak | 51 | 10.9% |
| April | 51 | 10.9% |
| May | 40 | 8.5% |
| June | 27 | 5.8% |
| July | 14 | 3% |
| August | 19 | 4.1% |
| September | 40 | 8.5% |
| October | 41 | 8.7% |
| November | 30 | 6.4% |
| Decemberpeak | 54 | 11.5% |
Bald Eagles you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Bald Eagle | 469 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in West Virginia
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when bald eagles are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for bald eagles sit around 26 to 54 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Janbest time | 41°F | 26°F | 4.8" |
| Feb | 46°F | 28°F | 5.5" |
| Marbest time | 54°F | 34°F | 4.5" |
| Apr | 61°F | 41°F | 4.4" |
| May | 69°F | 51°F | 6.5" |
| Jun | 76°F | 59°F | 5.3" |
| Jul | 81°F | 65°F | 5.1" |
| Aug | 78°F | 63°F | 4.9" |
| Sep | 74°F | 57°F | 3.5" |
| Oct | 64°F | 48°F | 4.1" |
| Nov | 52°F | 35°F | 2.9" |
| Decbest time | 46°F | 31°F | 4.9" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for West Virginia. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on bald eagles in West Virginia:
Sightings of bald eagles in West Virginia peak in December, when 54 of the year's 469 verified observations are logged — about 11.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through December, January and March.
The quietest stretch is July and August, when bald eagles are hardest to find — July sees just 14 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The bald eagles you are most likely to encounter in West Virginia are Bald Eagle — 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 bald eagles in West Virginia
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Bluestone National Scenic River — National Scenic River
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Chesapeake Bay
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- New River Gorge National Park & Preserve — National Park & Preserve
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see bald eagles in West Virginia?+
December is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through December, January and March, based on 469 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are bald eagles hardest to see in West Virginia?+
July is the quietest month for bald eagles in West Virginia, with only 14 verified records.
Are bald eagles active year-round in West Virginia?+
Bald eagles are recorded in 12 of 12 months in West Virginia, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in December.
More places to see bald eagles
More wildlife in West Virginia