Best Time to See Chipmunks in New Jersey
September, May and April is the best time to see chipmunks in New Jersey. Based on 15,868 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when chipmunks 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 June 28, 2026.
15,868 verified observations of chipmunks in New Jersey, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When chipmunks are recorded in New Jersey
Peak month
September
2,271 records (14.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 624 | 3.9% |
| February | 628 | 4% |
| March | 1,298 | 8.2% |
| Aprilpeak | 1,882 | 11.9% |
| Maypeak | 2,147 | 13.5% |
| June | 1,717 | 10.8% |
| July | 987 | 6.2% |
| August | 848 | 5.3% |
| Septemberpeak | 2,271 | 14.3% |
| October | 1,782 | 11.2% |
| November | 940 | 5.9% |
| December | 744 | 4.7% |
Chipmunks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | 10,046 |
| Eastern Chipmunk | 2,874 |
| Groundhog | 2,472 |
| American Red Squirrel | 231 |
| Southern Flying Squirrel | 117 |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | 1 |
Sightings of chipmunks in New Jersey peak in September, when 2,271 of the year's 15,868 verified observations are logged — about 14.3% of the annual total. Activity stays high through September, May and April.
The quietest stretch is January, February and December, when chipmunks are hardest to find — January sees just 624 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The chipmunks you are most likely to encounter in New Jersey are Eastern Gray Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk and Groundhog — 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 chipmunks 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
Tours and experiences nearby
Viator
Book a chipmunk tour in New Jersey
Guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences, with free cancellation on most.
Booking.com
Stay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best chipmunk viewing in New Jersey.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see chipmunks in New Jersey?+
September is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through September, May and April, based on 15,868 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are chipmunks hardest to see in New Jersey?+
January is the quietest month for chipmunks in New Jersey, with only 624 verified records.
Are chipmunks active year-round in New Jersey?+
Chipmunks are recorded in 12 of 12 months in New Jersey, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in September.
More wildlife in New Jersey