Best Time to See Bats in New Jersey
September, August and July is the best time to see bats in New Jersey. Based on 528 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when bats are most active across the year in New Jersey.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
528 verified observations of bats in New Jersey, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When bats are recorded in New Jersey
Peak month
September
78 records (14.8% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 11 | 2.1% |
| February | 11 | 2.1% |
| March | 43 | 8.1% |
| April | 57 | 10.8% |
| May | 54 | 10.2% |
| June | 44 | 8.3% |
| Julypeak | 62 | 11.7% |
| Augustpeak | 71 | 13.4% |
| Septemberpeak | 78 | 14.8% |
| October | 54 | 10.2% |
| November | 26 | 4.9% |
| December | 17 | 3.2% |
Bats you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Eastern Red Bat | 183 |
| Big Brown Bat | 135 |
| Silver-haired Bat | 52 |
| Northern Hoary Bat | 10 |
| Tri-coloured Bat | 8 |
| Little Brown Bat | 3 |
| Eastern Small-footed Myotis | 2 |
| Evening Bat | 1 |
Sightings of bats in New Jersey peak in September, when 78 of the year's 528 verified observations are logged — about 14.8% of the annual total. Activity stays high through September, August and July.
The quietest stretch is January and February, when bats are hardest to find — January sees just 11 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The bats you are most likely to encounter in New Jersey are Eastern Red Bat, Big Brown Bat and Silver-haired Bat — 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 bats in New Jersey
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Great Egg Harbor River
- Morristown National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Ellis Island Part of Statue of Liberty National Monument — Part of Statue of Liberty National Monument
- Gateway National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
Plan your bat trip in New Jersey
Start with live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main bat viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best bat viewing area in New Jersey.
Viator
Broader backupBook a bat tour in New Jersey
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see bats in New Jersey?+
September is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through September, August and July, based on 528 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are bats hardest to see in New Jersey?+
January is the quietest month for bats in New Jersey, with only 11 verified records.
Are bats active year-round in New Jersey?+
Bats are recorded in 12 of 12 months in New Jersey, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in September.
More places to see bats
More wildlife in New Jersey