Best Time to See Great White Sharks in New Jersey
June and July is the best time to see great white sharks in New Jersey. Based on 3 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when great white sharks 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 10, 2026.
3 verified observations of great white sharks in New Jersey, recorded across 2 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When great white sharks are recorded in New Jersey
Peak month
June
2 records (66.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 0 | 0% |
| April | 0 | 0% |
| May | 0 | 0% |
| Junepeak | 2 | 66.7% |
| Julypeak | 1 | 33.3% |
| August | 0 | 0% |
| September | 0 | 0% |
| October | 0 | 0% |
| November | 0 | 0% |
| December | 0 | 0% |
Great White Sharks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Great White Shark | 3 |
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 great white sharks are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for great white sharks sit around 63 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 43°F | 28°F | 3.4" |
| Feb | 45°F | 29°F | 3.5" |
| Mar | 54°F | 35°F | 4.3" |
| Apr | 63°F | 44°F | 4.6" |
| May | 72°F | 53°F | 4.1" |
| Junbest time | 82°F | 63°F | 4.1" |
| Julbest time | 88°F | 70°F | 5.2" |
| Aug | 85°F | 69°F | 4.3" |
| Sep | 78°F | 61°F | 4.4" |
| Oct | 68°F | 52°F | 4.7" |
| Nov | 55°F | 39°F | 3" |
| Dec | 46°F | 32°F | 4.6" |
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 great white sharks in New Jersey:
Sightings of great white sharks in New Jersey peak in June, when 2 of the year's 3 verified observations are logged — about 66.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June and July.
The quietest stretch is January, February and March, when great white sharks are hardest to find — no verified records exist for January. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The great white sharks you are most likely to encounter in New Jersey are Great White Shark — 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 great white sharks 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
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see great white sharks in New Jersey?+
June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June and July, based on 3 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are great white sharks hardest to see in New Jersey?+
January is the quietest month for great white sharks in New Jersey, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are great white sharks active year-round in New Jersey?+
Great white sharks are recorded in 2 of 12 months in New Jersey, concentrated around June and July.
More places to see great white sharks
More wildlife in New Jersey