Best Time to See Turkey Vultures in Kentucky
April, March and May is the best time to see turkey vultures in Kentucky. Based on 1,008 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when turkey vultures are most active across the year in Kentucky.
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 · Rev. Lee A. Payne CC BY
Turkey Vulture · Public domain CC0
Turkey Vulture · Public domain CC0
1,008 verified observations of turkey vultures in Kentucky, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When turkey vultures are recorded in Kentucky
Peak month
April
162 records (16.1% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 23 | 2.3% |
| February | 73 | 7.2% |
| Marchpeak | 140 | 13.9% |
| Aprilpeak | 162 | 16.1% |
| Maypeak | 128 | 12.7% |
| June | 98 | 9.7% |
| July | 81 | 8% |
| August | 56 | 5.6% |
| September | 95 | 9.4% |
| October | 65 | 6.4% |
| November | 60 | 6% |
| December | 27 | 2.7% |
Turkey Vultures you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Turkey Vulture | 1,008 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Kentucky
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 38 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 45°F | 29°F | 4.6" |
| Feb | 49°F | 31°F | 5.6" |
| Marbest time | 59°F | 38°F | 4.5" |
| Aprbest time | 66°F | 45°F | 5.1" |
| Maybest time | 76°F | 56°F | 3.9" |
| Jun | 84°F | 64°F | 5.5" |
| Jul | 88°F | 69°F | 5.3" |
| Aug | 86°F | 67°F | 3.8" |
| Sep | 82°F | 61°F | 2.5" |
| Oct | 70°F | 51°F | 4" |
| Nov | 56°F | 37°F | 2.7" |
| Dec | 50°F | 34°F | 3.8" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Kentucky. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of turkey vultures in Kentucky peak in April, when 162 of the year's 1,008 verified observations are logged — about 16.1% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, March and May.
The quietest stretch is January and December, when turkey vultures are hardest to find — January sees just 23 records. 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky
- Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area — National River & Recreation Area
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Mammoth Cave National Park — National Park
- Camp Nelson National Monument — National Monument
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see turkey vultures in Kentucky?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, March and May, based on 1,008 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are turkey vultures hardest to see in Kentucky?+
January is the quietest month for turkey vultures in Kentucky, with only 23 verified records.
Are turkey vultures active year-round in Kentucky?+
Turkey vultures are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Kentucky, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More wildlife in Kentucky