Seals in Massachusetts in September
Yes, September is a good month to see seals in Massachusetts. It is the 5th busiest month of the year, with 265 of the 3,245 sightings logged across the year (8.2%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Good month for seals in Massachusetts
8.2%
of yearly sightings
265
records in September
#5
busiest month of 12
3,245
verified records a year
August 15.2%, September 8.2%, October 7.2%. Busiest month is August at 15.2%.
3,245 verified observations of seals in Massachusetts, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When seals are recorded in Massachusetts
Peak month
August
494 records (15.2% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 195 | 6% |
| February | 164 | 5.1% |
| March | 204 | 6.3% |
| April | 186 | 5.7% |
| May | 207 | 6.4% |
| Junepeak | 396 | 12.2% |
| Julypeak | 405 | 12.5% |
| Augustpeak | 494 | 15.2% |
| September | 265 | 8.2% |
| October | 235 | 7.2% |
| November | 273 | 8.4% |
| December | 221 | 6.8% |
Seals you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Grey Seal | 2,068 |
| Harbor Seal | 943 |
| Harp Seal | 57 |
| Hooded Seal | 1 |
In Massachusetts, September carries 8.2% of the year's seals sightings, about 0.1 points below an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 5th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is easing off from August (15.2%) into September, and it heads toward October (7.2%) after. The busiest month is August (15.2%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The seals most often recorded in Massachusetts are Grey Seal, Harbor Seal and Harp Seal. Those counts are annual totals rather than a September split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in September itself.
Which seals you are most likely to see
- Grey Seal2,068 records
- Harbor Seal943 records
- Harp Seal57 records
- Hooded Seal1 records
Plan your seal trip in Massachusetts
Start with live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main seal viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best seal viewing area in Massachusetts.
Viator
Broader backupBook a seal tour in Massachusetts
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see seals in Massachusetts in September?+
Yes. September accounts for 265 of the 3,245 verified seals sightings logged in Massachusetts across the year, which is 8.2% of the annual total.
Is September a good time to see seals in Massachusetts?+
September is the 5th busiest month. It is workable, though August and July is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for seals in Massachusetts?+
August is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through August, July and June, based on 3,245 verified observations.
Which seals are you most likely to see in Massachusetts?+
The most-recorded species in Massachusetts are Grey Seal, Harbor Seal and Harp Seal, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See seals in Massachusetts in other months
More wildlife in Massachusetts