Sharks in Massachusetts in May
Yes, May is a good month to see sharks in Massachusetts. It is the 4th busiest month of the year, with 197 of the 1,926 sightings logged across the year (10.2%), 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 sharks in Massachusetts
10.2%
of yearly sightings
197
records in May
#4
busiest month of 12
1,926
verified records a year
April 7.3%, May 10.2%, June 20.7%. Busiest month is June at 20.7%.
1,926 verified observations of sharks in Massachusetts, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When sharks are recorded in Massachusetts
Peak month
June
399 records (20.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 53 | 2.8% |
| February | 44 | 2.3% |
| March | 75 | 3.9% |
| April | 140 | 7.3% |
| May | 197 | 10.2% |
| Junepeak | 399 | 20.7% |
| Julypeak | 320 | 16.6% |
| Augustpeak | 278 | 14.4% |
| September | 148 | 7.7% |
| October | 99 | 5.1% |
| November | 88 | 4.6% |
| December | 85 | 4.4% |
Sharks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Little Skate | 601 |
| Dusky Smooth-hound | 282 |
| Winter Skate | 71 |
| Western Atlantic Torpedo | 62 |
| Spiny Dogfish | 55 |
| Clearnose Skate | 49 |
| Basking Shark | 44 |
| Great White Shark | 42 |
In Massachusetts, May carries 10.2% of the year's sharks sightings, about 1.9 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 4th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is rising from April (7.3%) into May, and it heads toward June (20.7%) after. The busiest month is June (20.7%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The sharks most often recorded in Massachusetts are Little Skate, Dusky Smooth-hound and Winter Skate. Those counts are annual totals rather than a May split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in May itself.
Which sharks you are most likely to see
- Little Skate601 records
- Dusky Smooth-hound282 records
- Winter Skate71 records
- Western Atlantic Torpedo62 records
- Spiny Dogfish55 records
- Clearnose Skate49 records
Plan your shark 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 shark viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best shark viewing area in Massachusetts.
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Broader backupBook a shark 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 sharks in Massachusetts in May?+
Yes. May accounts for 197 of the 1,926 verified sharks sightings logged in Massachusetts across the year, which is 10.2% of the annual total.
Is May a good time to see sharks in Massachusetts?+
May is the 4th busiest month. It is workable, though June and July is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for sharks in Massachusetts?+
June is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through June, July and August, based on 1,926 verified observations.
Which sharks are you most likely to see in Massachusetts?+
The most-recorded species in Massachusetts are Little Skate, Dusky Smooth-hound and Winter Skate, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See sharks in Massachusetts in other months
More wildlife in Massachusetts