Best Time to See Mourning Doves in West Virginia
April, March and May is the best time to see mourning doves in West Virginia. Based on 763 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when mourning doves 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 July 20, 2026.
Mourning Dove · Matthew Gerke CC BY
Mourning Dove · Matthew Gerke CC BY
Mourning Dove · Matthew Gerke CC BY
763 verified observations of mourning doves in West Virginia, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When mourning doves are recorded in West Virginia
Peak month
April
165 records (21.6% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 64 | 8.4% |
| February | 43 | 5.6% |
| Marchpeak | 112 | 14.7% |
| Aprilpeak | 165 | 21.6% |
| Maypeak | 81 | 10.6% |
| June | 66 | 8.7% |
| July | 50 | 6.6% |
| August | 60 | 7.9% |
| September | 52 | 6.8% |
| October | 25 | 3.3% |
| November | 17 | 2.2% |
| December | 28 | 3.7% |
Mourning Doves you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Mourning Dove | 763 |
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 mourning doves are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for mourning doves sit around 34 to 69 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 41°F | 26°F | 4.8" |
| Feb | 46°F | 28°F | 5.5" |
| Marbest time | 54°F | 34°F | 4.5" |
| Aprbest time | 61°F | 41°F | 4.4" |
| Maybest time | 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" |
| Dec | 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.
Sightings of mourning doves in West Virginia peak in April, when 165 of the year's 763 verified observations are logged — about 21.6% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, March and May.
The quietest stretch is November and October, when mourning doves are hardest to find — November sees just 17 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The mourning doves you are most likely to encounter in West Virginia are Mourning Dove — 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 mourning doves 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
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see mourning doves in West Virginia?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, March and May, based on 763 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are mourning doves hardest to see in West Virginia?+
November is the quietest month for mourning doves in West Virginia, with only 17 verified records.
Are mourning doves active year-round in West Virginia?+
Mourning doves are recorded in 12 of 12 months in West Virginia, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More wildlife in West Virginia