Best Time to See Turkey Vultures in Massachusetts
April, May and March is the best time to see turkey vultures in Massachusetts. Based on 2,369 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when turkey vultures are most active across the year in Massachusetts.
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 · Jonathan Layman CC BY
Turkey Vulture · Andrew Hrycyna CC BY
Turkey Vulture · SeeTurtle CC BY
2,369 verified observations of turkey vultures in Massachusetts, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When turkey vultures are recorded in Massachusetts
Peak month
April
493 records (20.8% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 18 | 0.8% |
| February | 74 | 3.1% |
| Marchpeak | 338 | 14.3% |
| Aprilpeak | 493 | 20.8% |
| Maypeak | 389 | 16.4% |
| June | 239 | 10.1% |
| July | 169 | 7.1% |
| August | 132 | 5.6% |
| September | 222 | 9.4% |
| October | 201 | 8.5% |
| November | 73 | 3.1% |
| December | 21 | 0.9% |
Turkey Vultures you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Turkey Vulture | 2,369 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Massachusetts
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 28 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 37°F | 22°F | 3.8" |
| Feb | 39°F | 22°F | 3.4" |
| Marbest time | 48°F | 28°F | 3.6" |
| Aprbest time | 57°F | 38°F | 4.6" |
| Maybest time | 68°F | 47°F | 3.4" |
| Jun | 78°F | 58°F | 3.6" |
| Jul | 83°F | 65°F | 5.4" |
| Aug | 82°F | 64°F | 3.5" |
| Sep | 73°F | 56°F | 5.3" |
| Oct | 62°F | 47°F | 5.3" |
| Nov | 50°F | 34°F | 3.1" |
| Dec | 42°F | 27°F | 5.9" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Massachusetts. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of turkey vultures in Massachusetts peak in April, when 493 of the year's 2,369 verified observations are logged — about 20.8% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, May and March.
The quietest stretch is January and December, when turkey vultures are hardest to find — January sees just 18 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Cape Cod National Seashore — National Seashore
- Adams National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Boston African American National Historic Site — National Historic Site
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see turkey vultures in Massachusetts?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, May and March, based on 2,369 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are turkey vultures hardest to see in Massachusetts?+
January is the quietest month for turkey vultures in Massachusetts, with only 18 verified records.
Are turkey vultures active year-round in Massachusetts?+
Turkey vultures are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Massachusetts, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.