Best Time to See Seals in New Hampshire
February, January and May is the best time to see seals in New Hampshire. Based on 69 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when seals are most active across the year in New Hampshire.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Harbor Seal · Martin Kaehrle CC BY
Harp Seal · Judd Nathan CC BY-ND
Grey Seal · Cyndy Sims Parr CC BY-SA
69 verified observations of seals in New Hampshire, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When seals are recorded in New Hampshire
Peak month
February
9 records (13% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 8 | 11.6% |
| Februarypeak | 9 | 13% |
| March | 2 | 2.9% |
| April | 1 | 1.4% |
| Maypeak | 8 | 11.6% |
| June | 4 | 5.8% |
| July | 6 | 8.7% |
| August | 8 | 11.6% |
| September | 2 | 2.9% |
| October | 6 | 8.7% |
| November | 7 | 10.1% |
| December | 8 | 11.6% |
Seals you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Harbor Seal | 54 |
| Grey Seal | 9 |
| Harp Seal | 3 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in New Hampshire
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when seals are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for seals sit around 8 to 58 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Janbest time | 24°F | 8°F | 4.1" |
| Febbest time | 25°F | 8°F | 3.6" |
| Mar | 34°F | 18°F | 3.3" |
| Apr | 45°F | 29°F | 5.2" |
| Maybest time | 58°F | 40°F | 4.1" |
| Jun | 67°F | 50°F | 4.8" |
| Jul | 72°F | 57°F | 7.1" |
| Aug | 70°F | 56°F | 4.5" |
| Sep | 63°F | 48°F | 4.5" |
| Oct | 53°F | 39°F | 5.6" |
| Nov | 38°F | 24°F | 4.2" |
| Dec | 30°F | 17°F | 6" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for New Hampshire. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on seals in New Hampshire:
Sightings of seals in New Hampshire peak in February, when 9 of the year's 69 verified observations are logged — about 13% of the annual total. Activity stays high through February, January and May.
The quietest stretch is April, when seals are hardest to find — April sees just 1 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The seals you are most likely to encounter in New Hampshire are Harbor Seal, Grey Seal and Harp Seal — 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 seals in New Hampshire
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park — National Historical Park
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see seals in New Hampshire?+
February is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through February, January and May, based on 69 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are seals hardest to see in New Hampshire?+
April is the quietest month for seals in New Hampshire, with only 1 verified records.
Are seals active year-round in New Hampshire?+
Seals are recorded in 12 of 12 months in New Hampshire, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in February.
More places to see seals
More wildlife in New Hampshire