Best Time to See Turkey Vultures in Missouri
April, May and June is the best time to see turkey vultures in Missouri. Based on 1,834 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when turkey vultures are most active across the year in Missouri.
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 · Bob Virag CC BY
Turkey Vulture · Public domain CC0
Turkey Vulture · Public domain CC0
1,834 verified observations of turkey vultures in Missouri, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When turkey vultures are recorded in Missouri
Peak month
April
337 records (18.4% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 21 | 1.1% |
| February | 88 | 4.8% |
| March | 196 | 10.7% |
| Aprilpeak | 337 | 18.4% |
| Maypeak | 287 | 15.6% |
| Junepeak | 205 | 11.2% |
| July | 133 | 7.3% |
| August | 130 | 7.1% |
| September | 174 | 9.5% |
| October | 154 | 8.4% |
| November | 77 | 4.2% |
| December | 32 | 1.7% |
Turkey Vultures you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Turkey Vulture | 1,834 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Missouri
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 45 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 43°F | 27°F | 3" |
| Feb | 45°F | 25°F | 3.2" |
| Mar | 57°F | 37°F | 5.6" |
| Aprbest time | 67°F | 45°F | 4.7" |
| Maybest time | 74°F | 56°F | 5.9" |
| Junbest time | 86°F | 65°F | 4.3" |
| Jul | 90°F | 70°F | 4.2" |
| Aug | 88°F | 69°F | 5.1" |
| Sep | 84°F | 63°F | 2.2" |
| Oct | 68°F | 49°F | 5" |
| Nov | 57°F | 38°F | 2.1" |
| Dec | 50°F | 32°F | 2.1" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Missouri. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of turkey vultures in Missouri peak in April, when 337 of the year's 1,834 verified observations are logged — about 18.4% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, May and June.
The quietest stretch is January, when turkey vultures are hardest to find — January sees just 21 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 Missouri 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 Missouri
- George Washington Carver National Monument — National Monument
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Ozark National Scenic Riverways — National Scenic Riverways
- Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Wilson's Creek National Battlefield — National Battlefield
- Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see turkey vultures in Missouri?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, May and June, based on 1,834 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are turkey vultures hardest to see in Missouri?+
January is the quietest month for turkey vultures in Missouri, with only 21 verified records.
Are turkey vultures active year-round in Missouri?+
Turkey vultures are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Missouri, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More wildlife in Missouri