Best Time to See Green Sea Turtles in California
August, September and July is the best time to see green sea turtles in California. Based on 528 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when green sea turtles are most active across the year in California.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 10, 2026.
Green Sea Turtle · Michael Bear CC BY
Green Sea Turtle · marmottled CC BY
Green Sea Turtle · Millie Basden CC BY
528 verified observations of green sea turtles in California, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When green sea turtles are recorded in California
Peak month
August
86 records (16.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 35 | 6.6% |
| February | 24 | 4.5% |
| March | 27 | 5.1% |
| April | 35 | 6.6% |
| May | 32 | 6.1% |
| June | 43 | 8.1% |
| Julypeak | 61 | 11.6% |
| Augustpeak | 86 | 16.3% |
| Septemberpeak | 70 | 13.3% |
| October | 49 | 9.3% |
| November | 34 | 6.4% |
| December | 32 | 6.1% |
Green Sea Turtles you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Green Sea Turtle | 528 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in California
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when green sea turtles are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for green sea turtles sit around 57 to 94 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 53°F | 31°F | 5.6" |
| Feb | 53°F | 30°F | 4.4" |
| Mar | 55°F | 33°F | 7.3" |
| Apr | 66°F | 40°F | 1.8" |
| May | 73°F | 46°F | 1.6" |
| Jun | 84°F | 55°F | 0.2" |
| Julbest time | 94°F | 62°F | 0" |
| Augbest time | 93°F | 62°F | 0.3" |
| Sepbest time | 85°F | 57°F | 0.8" |
| Oct | 73°F | 46°F | 1.2" |
| Nov | 61°F | 36°F | 2.3" |
| Dec | 53°F | 33°F | 7.8" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for California. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on green sea turtles in California:
Sightings of green sea turtles in California peak in August, when 86 of the year's 528 verified observations are logged — about 16.3% of the annual total. Activity stays high through August, September and July.
The quietest stretch is February, March and May, when green sea turtles are hardest to find — February sees just 24 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The green sea turtles you are most likely to encounter in California are Green Sea Turtle — 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 green sea turtles in California
- Alcatraz Island
- Cabrillo National Monument — National Monument
- Channel Islands National Park — National Park
- Death Valley National Park — National Park
- Devils Postpile National Monument — National Monument
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see green sea turtles in California?+
August is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through August, September and July, based on 528 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are green sea turtles hardest to see in California?+
February is the quietest month for green sea turtles in California, with only 24 verified records.
Are green sea turtles active year-round in California?+
Green sea turtles are recorded in 12 of 12 months in California, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in August.
More places to see green sea turtles
More wildlife in California