During migration and in its non-breeding season, the Great Knot is predominantly found on extensive coastal mudflats, sandy beaches, estuaries, and sometimes rocky shores. They often congregate in large flocks, frequently associating with other shorebird species. Its breeding grounds are in the high Arctic tundra of northeastern Siberia, where it prefers drier, rocky uplands.

To spot the Great Knot, look for large, often dense, flocks of waders on coastal intertidal zones, especially at high tide roosts or during receding tides when they actively forage. Observe their distinctive, rhythmic probing action as they search for food in the mud. Their call is a distinctive 'knip-knip' or a harsh 'kru-kru', especially when flushed. In breeding plumage, the striking chestnut and heavily spotted underparts are a key identification feature.

The best time to observe Great Knots is during their non-breeding season (late Northern Hemisphere autumn to early spring) in coastal wetlands of Southeast Asia and Australasia, or during their spring and autumn migrations along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. They are active throughout the day, often foraging during low tide and resting at high tide. The breeding period in the Arctic is short, from June to August, and observing them there is extremely challenging due to the remote locations.