Best Time to See Sea Turtles in Louisiana
April, August and May is the best time to see sea turtles in Louisiana. Based on 70 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when sea turtles are most active across the year in Louisiana.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
70 verified observations of sea turtles in Louisiana, recorded across 11 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When sea turtles are recorded in Louisiana
Peak month
April
25 records (35.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4 | 5.7% |
| February | 1 | 1.4% |
| March | 2 | 2.9% |
| Aprilpeak | 25 | 35.7% |
| Maypeak | 9 | 12.9% |
| June | 6 | 8.6% |
| July | 3 | 4.3% |
| Augustpeak | 10 | 14.3% |
| September | 0 | 0% |
| October | 3 | 4.3% |
| November | 2 | 2.9% |
| December | 5 | 7.1% |
Sea Turtles you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Green Sea Turtle | 24 |
| Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle | 21 |
| Loggerhead Sea Turtle | 16 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Louisiana
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 58 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 61°F | 44°F | 5.6" |
| Feb | 64°F | 46°F | 5.3" |
| Mar | 72°F | 54°F | 5.8" |
| Aprbest time | 76°F | 58°F | 7.8" |
| Maybest time | 85°F | 67°F | 6" |
| Jun | 90°F | 73°F | 4.9" |
| Jul | 91°F | 75°F | 8.2" |
| Augbest time | 93°F | 76°F | 4.7" |
| Sep | 90°F | 71°F | 4.1" |
| Oct | 80°F | 62°F | 3.7" |
| Nov | 69°F | 50°F | 3.8" |
| Dec | 65°F | 48°F | 4.9" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Louisiana. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of sea turtles in Louisiana peak in April, when 25 of the year's 70 verified observations are logged — about 35.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, August and May.
The quietest stretch is September and February, when sea turtles are hardest to find — no verified records exist for September. 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 Louisiana are Green Sea Turtle, Kemp's 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 Louisiana
- Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve — National Historical Park and Preserve
- Cane River Creole National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Poverty Point National Monument — National Monument
- Vicksburg National Military Park — National Military Park
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see sea turtles in Louisiana?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, August and May, based on 70 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are sea turtles hardest to see in Louisiana?+
September is the quietest month for sea turtles in Louisiana, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are sea turtles active year-round in Louisiana?+
Sea turtles are recorded in 11 of 12 months in Louisiana, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More places to see sea turtles
More wildlife in Louisiana