Best Time to See Coyotes in New Jersey

March, April and January is the best time to see coyotes in New Jersey. Based on 568 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when coyotes are most active across the year in New Jersey.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.

Coyote photographed in New Jersey

Coyote · Samuel Paul Galick CC BY

Coyote photographed in New Jersey

Coyote · Samuel Paul Galick CC BY

Coyote photographed in New Jersey

Coyote · Samuel Paul Galick CC BY

Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Best months: March, April, January

568 verified observations of coyotes in New Jersey, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When coyotes are recorded in New Jersey

Peak month

March

80 records (14.1% of the year)

Quietest month

August

27 records

MonthObservationsShare
Januarypeak549.5%
February529.2%
Marchpeak8014.1%
Aprilpeak7012.3%
May457.9%
June437.6%
July407%
August274.8%
September366.3%
October407%
November366.3%
December457.9%

Coyotes you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Coyote568

Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo

Typical weather in New Jersey

Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when coyotes are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for coyotes sit around 28 to 63 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.

MonthAvg highAvg lowRain
Janbest time43°F28°F3.4"
Feb45°F29°F3.5"
Marbest time54°F35°F4.3"
Aprbest time63°F44°F4.6"
May72°F53°F4.1"
Jun82°F63°F4.1"
Jul88°F70°F5.2"
Aug85°F69°F4.3"
Sep78°F61°F4.4"
Oct68°F52°F4.7"
Nov55°F39°F3"
Dec46°F32°F4.6"

Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for New Jersey. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.

More on coyotes in New Jersey:

Sightings of coyotes in New Jersey peak in March, when 80 of the year's 568 verified observations are logged — about 14.1% of the annual total. Activity stays high through March, April and January.

The quietest stretch is August, September and November, when coyotes are hardest to find — August sees just 27 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.

The coyotes you are most likely to encounter in New Jersey are Coyote — 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 coyotes in New Jersey

  • Appalachian National Scenic TrailNational Scenic Trail
  • Delaware Water Gap National Recreation AreaNational Recreation Area
  • Great Egg Harbor River
  • Morristown National Historical ParkNational Historical Park
  • Ellis Island Part of Statue of Liberty National MonumentPart of Statue of Liberty National Monument
  • Gateway National Recreation AreaNational Recreation Area

Gear to see them

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to see coyotes in New Jersey?+

March is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through March, April and January, based on 568 verified iNaturalist observations.

When are coyotes hardest to see in New Jersey?+

August is the quietest month for coyotes in New Jersey, with only 27 verified records.

Are coyotes active year-round in New Jersey?+

Coyotes are recorded in 12 of 12 months in New Jersey, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in March.