Best Time to See Sea Turtles in California
August, September and July is the best time to see sea turtles in California. Based on 565 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when 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 June 28, 2026.
Green Sea Turtle · Michael Bear CC BY
Green Sea Turtle · marmottled CC BY
Green Sea Turtle · Millie Basden CC BY
565 verified observations of sea turtles in California, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When sea turtles are recorded in California
Peak month
August
87 records (15.4% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 38 | 6.7% |
| February | 29 | 5.1% |
| March | 32 | 5.7% |
| April | 39 | 6.9% |
| May | 36 | 6.4% |
| June | 46 | 8.1% |
| Julypeak | 60 | 10.6% |
| Augustpeak | 87 | 15.4% |
| Septemberpeak | 71 | 12.6% |
| October | 54 | 9.6% |
| November | 37 | 6.5% |
| December | 36 | 6.4% |
Sea Turtles you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Green Sea Turtle | 526 |
| Olive Ridley Sea Turtle | 19 |
| Loggerhead Sea Turtle | 2 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in California
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when sea turtles are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for 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.
Sightings of sea turtles in California peak in August, when 87 of the year's 565 verified observations are logged — about 15.4% of the annual total. Activity stays high through August, September and July.
The quietest stretch is February, March and May, when sea turtles are hardest to find — February sees just 29 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The sea turtles you are most likely to encounter in California are Green Sea Turtle, Olive Ridley Sea Turtle and Loggerhead 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 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 sea turtles in California?+
August is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through August, September and July, based on 565 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are sea turtles hardest to see in California?+
February is the quietest month for sea turtles in California, with only 29 verified records.
Are sea turtles active year-round in California?+
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 sea turtles
More wildlife in California