Best Time to See Turkey Vultures in New Hampshire
April, May and June is the best time to see turkey vultures in New Hampshire. Based on 540 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when turkey vultures 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 July 20, 2026.

Turkey Vulture · zr217 CC BY

Turkey Vulture · Steven Lamonde CC BY

Turkey Vulture · Vicki J Brown CC BY-ND
540 verified observations of turkey vultures in New Hampshire, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When turkey vultures are recorded in New Hampshire
Peak month
April
102 records (18.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1 | 0.2% |
| February | 8 | 1.5% |
| March | 47 | 8.7% |
| Aprilpeak | 102 | 18.9% |
| Maypeak | 101 | 18.7% |
| Junepeak | 92 | 17% |
| July | 50 | 9.3% |
| August | 57 | 10.6% |
| September | 50 | 9.3% |
| October | 23 | 4.3% |
| November | 4 | 0.7% |
| December | 5 | 0.9% |
Turkey Vultures you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Turkey Vulture | 540 |
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 turkey vultures are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for turkey vultures sit around 29 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" |
| Aprbest time | 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" |
| 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.
Sightings of turkey vultures in New Hampshire peak in April, when 102 of the year's 540 verified observations are logged — about 18.9% 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 1 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Odiorne Point SP, Rye
- New Hampshire Coast (consider using a more specific location)
- Isles of Shoals (NH)
- Isles of Shoals--Star Island, Rye
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see turkey vultures in New Hampshire?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, May and June, based on 540 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are turkey vultures hardest to see in New Hampshire?+
January is the quietest month for turkey vultures in New Hampshire, with only 1 verified records.
Are turkey vultures active year-round in New Hampshire?+
Turkey vultures are recorded in 12 of 12 months in New Hampshire, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More wildlife in New Hampshire