Best Time to See Raccoons in Wisconsin
May, June and April is the best time to see raccoons in Wisconsin. Based on 1,964 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when raccoons 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 2, 2026.
1,964 verified observations of raccoons in Wisconsin, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When raccoons are recorded in Wisconsin
Peak month
May
310 records (15.8% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 87 | 4.4% |
| February | 94 | 4.8% |
| March | 155 | 7.9% |
| Aprilpeak | 238 | 12.1% |
| Maypeak | 310 | 15.8% |
| Junepeak | 305 | 15.5% |
| July | 191 | 9.7% |
| August | 146 | 7.4% |
| September | 170 | 8.7% |
| October | 132 | 6.7% |
| November | 73 | 3.7% |
| December | 63 | 3.2% |
Raccoons you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Common Raccoon | 1,964 |
Sightings of raccoons in Wisconsin peak in May, when 310 of the year's 1,964 verified observations are logged — about 15.8% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, June and April.
The quietest stretch is December, November and January, when raccoons are hardest to find — December sees just 63 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The raccoons you are most likely to encounter in Wisconsin are Common Raccoon — 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 raccoons 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
Plan your raccoon trip in Wisconsin
Start with live tours near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main raccoon viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best raccoon viewing area in Wisconsin.
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Broader backupBook a raccoon tour in Wisconsin
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see raccoons in Wisconsin?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, June and April, based on 1,964 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are raccoons hardest to see in Wisconsin?+
December is the quietest month for raccoons in Wisconsin, with only 63 verified records.
Are raccoons active year-round in Wisconsin?+
Raccoons are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Wisconsin, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More places to see raccoons
More wildlife in Wisconsin