Best Time to See Green Sea Turtles in New Jersey
October, August and September is the best time to see green sea turtles in New Jersey. Based on 11 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when green sea turtles 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.
11 verified observations of green sea turtles in New Jersey, recorded across 5 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When green sea turtles are recorded in New Jersey
Peak month
October
5 records (45.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 1 | 9.1% |
| April | 0 | 0% |
| May | 0 | 0% |
| June | 0 | 0% |
| July | 1 | 9.1% |
| Augustpeak | 2 | 18.2% |
| Septemberpeak | 2 | 18.2% |
| Octoberpeak | 5 | 45.5% |
| November | 0 | 0% |
| December | 0 | 0% |
Green Sea Turtles you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Green Sea Turtle | 11 |
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 green sea turtles are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for green sea turtles sit around 52 to 85 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" |
| Jun | 82°F | 63°F | 4.1" |
| Jul | 88°F | 70°F | 5.2" |
| Augbest time | 85°F | 69°F | 4.3" |
| Sepbest time | 78°F | 61°F | 4.4" |
| Octbest time | 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 green sea turtles in New Jersey:
Sightings of green sea turtles in New Jersey peak in October, when 5 of the year's 11 verified observations are logged — about 45.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through October, August and September.
The quietest stretch is January, February and April, when green sea turtles 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 green sea turtles you are most likely to encounter in New Jersey are Green Sea Turtle — 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 green sea turtles 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 green sea turtles in New Jersey?+
October is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through October, August and September, based on 11 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are green sea turtles hardest to see in New Jersey?+
January is the quietest month for green sea turtles in New Jersey, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are green sea turtles active year-round in New Jersey?+
Green sea turtles are recorded in 5 of 12 months in New Jersey, concentrated around October and August.
More places to see green sea turtles
More wildlife in New Jersey