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.
Northern Harrier · Mila C. CC BY
Sharp-shinned Hawk · Corey Farwell CC BY
Cooper's Hawk · Sandy Wolkenberg CC BY
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 |
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 hawks are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for hawks sit around 28 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Janbest time | 43°F | 28°F | 3.4" |
| Feb | 45°F | 29°F | 3.5" |
| Marbest time | 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" |
| Aug | 85°F | 69°F | 4.3" |
| Sep | 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 hawks in New Jersey:
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
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