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.
Common Raccoon · Lauren McLaurin CC BY
Common Raccoon · Eric Schmidt CC BY
Common Raccoon · sofi v CC BY
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 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Wisconsin
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when raccoons are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for raccoons 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.
More on raccoons in Wisconsin:
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
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