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 |
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
Plan your green sea turtle 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 green sea turtle viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best green sea turtle viewing area in New Jersey.
Viator
Broader backupBook a green sea turtle tour in New Jersey
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
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.