Best Time to See Mallards in Wisconsin
April, May and June is the best time to see mallards in Wisconsin. Based on 7,673 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when mallards are most active across the year in Wisconsin.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 20, 2026.
7,673 verified observations of mallards in Wisconsin, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When mallards are recorded in Wisconsin
Peak month
April
1,367 records (17.8% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 307 | 4% |
| February | 387 | 5% |
| March | 718 | 9.4% |
| Aprilpeak | 1,367 | 17.8% |
| Maypeak | 1,300 | 16.9% |
| Junepeak | 891 | 11.6% |
| July | 605 | 7.9% |
| August | 531 | 6.9% |
| September | 498 | 6.5% |
| October | 471 | 6.1% |
| November | 317 | 4.1% |
| December | 281 | 3.7% |
Mallards you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Mallard | 7,673 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Wisconsin
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when mallards are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for mallards sit around 32 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 25°F | 10°F | 1.4" |
| Feb | 25°F | 7°F | 2" |
| Mar | 40°F | 21°F | 2.7" |
| Aprbest time | 52°F | 32°F | 3.9" |
| Maybest time | 65°F | 45°F | 3.4" |
| Junbest time | 77°F | 57°F | 3.8" |
| Jul | 80°F | 61°F | 3.5" |
| Aug | 77°F | 60°F | 3.5" |
| Sep | 70°F | 53°F | 3" |
| Oct | 55°F | 40°F | 3.3" |
| Nov | 41°F | 27°F | 2.4" |
| Dec | 32°F | 17°F | 1.9" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Wisconsin. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of mallards in Wisconsin peak in April, when 1,367 of the year's 7,673 verified observations are logged — about 17.8% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, May and June.
The quietest stretch is December, January and November, when mallards are hardest to find — December sees just 281 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The mallards you are most likely to encounter in Wisconsin are Mallard — 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 mallards in Wisconsin
- Apostle Islands National Lakeshore — National Lakeshore
- Ice Age National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- North Country National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway — National Scenic Riverway
- Horicon NWR (general) (please use more precise locations)
- Manitowoc Lakefront
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see mallards in Wisconsin?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, May and June, based on 7,673 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are mallards hardest to see in Wisconsin?+
December is the quietest month for mallards in Wisconsin, with only 281 verified records.
Are mallards active year-round in Wisconsin?+
Mallards are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Wisconsin, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.