Best Time to See Owls in West Virginia
June, May and April is the best time to see owls in West Virginia. Based on 522 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when owls 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.
522 verified observations of owls in West Virginia, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When owls are recorded in West Virginia
Peak month
June
66 records (12.6% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 27 | 5.2% |
| February | 26 | 5% |
| March | 43 | 8.2% |
| Aprilpeak | 52 | 10% |
| Maypeak | 57 | 10.9% |
| Junepeak | 66 | 12.6% |
| July | 46 | 8.8% |
| August | 44 | 8.4% |
| September | 36 | 6.9% |
| October | 32 | 6.1% |
| November | 48 | 9.2% |
| December | 45 | 8.6% |
Owls you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Barred Owl | 286 |
| Eastern Screech-Owl | 106 |
| Great Horned Owl | 54 |
| Snowy Owl | 18 |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | 17 |
| American Barn Owl | 17 |
| Short-eared Owl | 11 |
| Long-eared Owl | 1 |
Sightings of owls in West Virginia peak in June, when 66 of the year's 522 verified observations are logged — about 12.6% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, May and April.
The quietest stretch is February, January and October, when owls are hardest to find — February sees just 26 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The owls you are most likely to encounter in West Virginia are Barred Owl, Eastern Screech-Owl and Great Horned Owl — 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 owls 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
Plan your owl trip in West 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.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main owl viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best owl viewing area in West Virginia.
Viator
Broader backupBook a owl tour in West Virginia
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see owls in West Virginia?+
June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, May and April, based on 522 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are owls hardest to see in West Virginia?+
February is the quietest month for owls in West Virginia, with only 26 verified records.
Are owls active year-round in West Virginia?+
Owls are recorded in 12 of 12 months in West Virginia, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in June.
More places to see owls
More wildlife in West Virginia