Green Sea Turtles in California in September
Yes, September is one of the best months to see green sea turtles in California. It is the 2nd busiest month of the year, with 70 of the 528 sightings logged across the year (13.3%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 10, 2026.
Peak month for green sea turtles in California
13.3%
of yearly sightings
70
records in September
#2
busiest month of 12
528
verified records a year
August 16.3%, September 13.3%, October 9.3%. Busiest month is August at 16.3%.
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 |
In California, September carries 13.3% of the year's green sea turtles sightings, about 5 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 2nd busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is easing off from August (16.3%) into September, and it heads toward October (9.3%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so September is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.
The green sea turtles most often recorded in California are Green Sea Turtle. Those counts are annual totals rather than a September split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in September itself.
Which green sea turtles you are most likely to see
- Green Sea Turtle528 records
Plan your green sea turtle trip in California
Start with live tours near Alcatraz Island, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Alcatraz Island
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main green sea turtle viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Alcatraz Island
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best green sea turtle viewing area in California.
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Broader backupBook a green sea turtle tour in California
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see green sea turtles in California in September?+
Yes. September accounts for 70 of the 528 verified green sea turtles sightings logged in California across the year, which is 13.3% of the annual total.
Is September a good time to see green sea turtles in California?+
September is one of the best months. It ranks 2nd of the year and sits inside the peak window of August, September and July.
What month is best for green sea turtles in California?+
August is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through August, September and July, based on 528 verified observations.
Which green sea turtles are you most likely to see in California?+
The most-recorded species in California are Green Sea Turtle, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See green sea turtles in California in other months
More wildlife in California