Best Time to See Sharks in New Hampshire
September, May and June is the best time to see sharks in New Hampshire. Based on 11 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when sharks 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.
Blue Shark · Steven Lamonde CC BY
11 verified observations of sharks in New Hampshire, recorded across 7 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When sharks are recorded in New Hampshire
Peak month
September
3 records (27.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1 | 9.1% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 1 | 9.1% |
| April | 0 | 0% |
| Maypeak | 2 | 18.2% |
| Junepeak | 2 | 18.2% |
| July | 1 | 9.1% |
| August | 0 | 0% |
| Septemberpeak | 3 | 27.3% |
| October | 0 | 0% |
| November | 0 | 0% |
| December | 1 | 9.1% |
Sharks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Spiny Dogfish | 2 |
| Porbeagle | 2 |
| Dusky Smooth-hound | 1 |
| Shortfin Mako | 1 |
| Basking Shark | 1 |
| Winter Skate | 1 |
| Blue Shark | 1 |
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 sharks are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for sharks sit around 40 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 24°F | 8°F | 4.1" |
| Feb | 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" |
| Junbest time | 67°F | 50°F | 4.8" |
| Jul | 72°F | 57°F | 7.1" |
| Aug | 70°F | 56°F | 4.5" |
| Sepbest time | 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.
Sightings of sharks in New Hampshire peak in September, when 3 of the year's 11 verified observations are logged — about 27.3% of the annual total. Activity stays high through September, May and June.
The quietest stretch is February, April and August, when sharks are hardest to find — no verified records exist for February. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The sharks you are most likely to encounter in New Hampshire are Spiny Dogfish, Porbeagle and Dusky Smooth-hound — 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 sharks 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 sharks in New Hampshire?+
September is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through September, May and June, based on 11 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are sharks hardest to see in New Hampshire?+
February is the quietest month for sharks in New Hampshire, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are sharks active year-round in New Hampshire?+
Sharks are recorded in 7 of 12 months in New Hampshire, concentrated around September and May.
More places to see sharks
More wildlife in New Hampshire