Best Time to See Turkey Vultures in Idaho
April, May and September is the best time to see turkey vultures in Idaho. Based on 730 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when turkey vultures are most active across the year in Idaho.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 20, 2026.
Turkey Vulture · Mara Christensen CC BY
Turkey Vulture · Wendy McCrady CC BY
Antillean Turkey Vulture · Matthew Cozart CC BY-ND
730 verified observations of turkey vultures in Idaho, recorded across 11 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When turkey vultures are recorded in Idaho
Peak month
April
192 records (26.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1 | 0.1% |
| February | 1 | 0.1% |
| March | 62 | 8.5% |
| Aprilpeak | 192 | 26.3% |
| Maypeak | 134 | 18.4% |
| June | 93 | 12.7% |
| July | 91 | 12.5% |
| August | 47 | 6.4% |
| Septemberpeak | 97 | 13.3% |
| October | 11 | 1.5% |
| November | 0 | 0% |
| December | 1 | 0.1% |
Turkey Vultures you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Turkey Vulture | 730 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Idaho
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when turkey vultures are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for turkey vultures sit around 25 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31°F | 13°F | 1.6" |
| Feb | 32°F | 14°F | 2.4" |
| Mar | 41°F | 20°F | 1.7" |
| Aprbest time | 48°F | 25°F | 1.9" |
| Maybest time | 60°F | 35°F | 2.9" |
| Jun | 71°F | 44°F | 2.9" |
| Jul | 82°F | 51°F | 1.2" |
| Aug | 81°F | 51°F | 1.9" |
| Sepbest time | 71°F | 43°F | 1.9" |
| Oct | 54°F | 29°F | 1.8" |
| Nov | 40°F | 19°F | 1.8" |
| Dec | 31°F | 13°F | 1.8" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Idaho. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of turkey vultures in Idaho peak in April, when 192 of the year's 730 verified observations are logged — about 26.3% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, May and September.
The quietest stretch is November, January and February, when turkey vultures are hardest to find — no verified records exist for November. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The turkey vultures you are most likely to encounter in Idaho are Turkey Vulture — 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 turkey vultures in Idaho
- City Of Rocks National Reserve — National Reserve
- Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve — National Monument & Preserve
- Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument — National Monument
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Nez Perce National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Yellowstone National Park — National Park
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see turkey vultures in Idaho?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, May and September, based on 730 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are turkey vultures hardest to see in Idaho?+
November is the quietest month for turkey vultures in Idaho, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are turkey vultures active year-round in Idaho?+
Turkey vultures are recorded in 11 of 12 months in Idaho, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More wildlife in Idaho