Best Time to See Squirrels in West Virginia
April, May and June is the best time to see squirrels in West Virginia. Based on 3,015 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when squirrels 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.

Groundhog · sarah caitlin williams CC BY

Eastern Chipmunk · Clay Gibbons CC BY

Eastern Fox Squirrel · Matthew Gerke CC BY
3,015 verified observations of squirrels in West Virginia, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When squirrels are recorded in West Virginia
Peak month
April
526 records (17.4% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 103 | 3.4% |
| February | 149 | 4.9% |
| March | 342 | 11.3% |
| Aprilpeak | 526 | 17.4% |
| Maypeak | 372 | 12.3% |
| Junepeak | 367 | 12.2% |
| July | 179 | 5.9% |
| August | 185 | 6.1% |
| September | 258 | 8.6% |
| October | 295 | 9.8% |
| November | 156 | 5.2% |
| December | 83 | 2.8% |
Squirrels you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | 1,109 |
| Groundhog | 675 |
| Eastern Chipmunk | 595 |
| Eastern Fox Squirrel | 310 |
| American Red Squirrel | 194 |
| Southern Flying Squirrel | 61 |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | 2 |
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 squirrels are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for squirrels sit around 41 to 76 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" |
| Mar | 54°F | 34°F | 4.5" |
| Aprbest time | 61°F | 41°F | 4.4" |
| Maybest time | 69°F | 51°F | 6.5" |
| Junbest time | 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.
More on squirrels in West Virginia:
Sightings of squirrels in West Virginia peak in April, when 526 of the year's 3,015 verified observations are logged — about 17.4% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, May and June.
The quietest stretch is December and January, when squirrels are hardest to find — December sees just 83 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The squirrels you are most likely to encounter in West Virginia are Eastern Gray Squirrel, Groundhog and Eastern Chipmunk — 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 squirrels 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 squirrels in West Virginia?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, May and June, based on 3,015 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are squirrels hardest to see in West Virginia?+
December is the quietest month for squirrels in West Virginia, with only 83 verified records.
Are squirrels active year-round in West Virginia?+
Squirrels are recorded in 12 of 12 months in West Virginia, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More places to see squirrels
More wildlife in West Virginia