Best Time to See Hawks in New Jersey
October, March and January is the best time to see hawks in New Jersey. Based on 13,280 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when hawks 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.
13,280 verified observations of hawks in New Jersey, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When hawks are recorded in New Jersey
Peak month
October
1,772 records (13.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 1,345 | 10.1% |
| February | 1,278 | 9.6% |
| Marchpeak | 1,423 | 10.7% |
| April | 1,247 | 9.4% |
| May | 980 | 7.4% |
| June | 601 | 4.5% |
| July | 583 | 4.4% |
| August | 693 | 5.2% |
| September | 972 | 7.3% |
| Octoberpeak | 1,772 | 13.3% |
| November | 1,188 | 8.9% |
| December | 1,198 | 9% |
Hawks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Red-tailed Hawk | 4,783 |
| Bald Eagle | 3,149 |
| Cooper's Hawk | 2,246 |
| Red-shouldered Hawk | 954 |
| Northern Harrier | 767 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 484 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 250 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 78 |
Sightings of hawks in New Jersey peak in October, when 1,772 of the year's 13,280 verified observations are logged — about 13.3% of the annual total. Activity stays high through October, March and January.
The quietest stretch is July, June and August, when hawks are hardest to find — July sees just 583 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The hawks you are most likely to encounter in New Jersey are Red-tailed Hawk, Bald Eagle and Cooper's Hawk — 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 hawks 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 hawk 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 hawk viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best hawk viewing area in New Jersey.
Viator
Broader backupBook a hawk tour in New Jersey
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see hawks in New Jersey?+
October is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through October, March and January, based on 13,280 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are hawks hardest to see in New Jersey?+
July is the quietest month for hawks in New Jersey, with only 583 verified records.
Are hawks active year-round in New Jersey?+
Hawks are recorded in 12 of 12 months in New Jersey, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in October.
More places to see hawks
More wildlife in New Jersey