Best Time to See Sharks in Maryland
June, July and August is the best time to see sharks in Maryland. Based on 466 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when sharks are most active across the year in Maryland.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Sand Tiger Shark · Kimberly Emerson CC BY-ND
Sandbar Shark · Public domain CC0
Sand Tiger Shark · Kimberly Emerson CC BY-ND
466 verified observations of sharks in Maryland, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When sharks are recorded in Maryland
Peak month
June
107 records (23% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2 | 0.4% |
| February | 8 | 1.7% |
| March | 9 | 1.9% |
| April | 14 | 3% |
| May | 63 | 13.5% |
| Junepeak | 107 | 23% |
| Julypeak | 86 | 18.5% |
| Augustpeak | 74 | 15.9% |
| September | 35 | 7.5% |
| October | 37 | 7.9% |
| November | 18 | 3.9% |
| December | 13 | 2.8% |
Sharks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Cownose Ray | 99 |
| Clearnose Skate | 63 |
| Atlantic Stingray | 54 |
| Little Skate | 39 |
| Dusky Smooth-hound | 27 |
| Sandbar Shark | 22 |
| Sand Tiger Shark | 21 |
| Bullnose Eagle Ray | 9 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Maryland
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when sharks are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for sharks sit around 64 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 44°F | 30°F | 3.3" |
| Feb | 48°F | 31°F | 3.9" |
| Mar | 56°F | 37°F | 3.9" |
| Apr | 66°F | 45°F | 4.7" |
| May | 73°F | 54°F | 4.7" |
| Junbest time | 83°F | 64°F | 5.4" |
| Julbest time | 89°F | 70°F | 7.3" |
| Augbest time | 85°F | 69°F | 7.6" |
| Sep | 79°F | 62°F | 4.9" |
| Oct | 69°F | 52°F | 4.9" |
| Nov | 56°F | 40°F | 3.2" |
| Dec | 49°F | 34°F | 4.8" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Maryland. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of sharks in Maryland peak in June, when 107 of the year's 466 verified observations are logged — about 23% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, July and August.
The quietest stretch is January, when sharks are hardest to find — January sees just 2 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The sharks you are most likely to encounter in Maryland are Cownose Ray, Clearnose Skate and Atlantic Stingray — 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 sharks in Maryland
- Antietam National Battlefield — National Battlefield
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Assateague Island National Seashore — National Seashore
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Chesapeake Bay
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see sharks in Maryland?+
June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, July and August, based on 466 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are sharks hardest to see in Maryland?+
January is the quietest month for sharks in Maryland, with only 2 verified records.
Are sharks active year-round in Maryland?+
Sharks are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Maryland, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in June.
More places to see sharks
More wildlife in Maryland