how long do groundhogs hibernate

February 17, 2026

Groundhogs usually hibernate for about 3 to 5 months, and in colder regions they may stay in hibernation closer to 5–6 months.

Quick Scoop

In many areas, groundhogs go into hibernation around October and stay in their burrows until about March or April.

That means their winter sleep often lasts roughly from mid–fall through early spring, depending on how harsh the winter is.

In colder northern climates, they tend to hibernate longer, while in milder southern areas they may sleep for a shorter period, sometimes only around three months.

During this time, their heart rate, breathing, and body temperature drop dramatically so they can survive the whole season on stored body fat.

So if you’re wondering “how long do groundhogs hibernate,” a good rule of thumb is: several months over winter, typically from about October to March, with exact timing changing by climate.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.