Best Time to See Loggerhead Sea Turtles in New Jersey
September, July and August is the best time to see loggerhead sea turtles in New Jersey. Based on 48 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when loggerhead 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.
48 verified observations of loggerhead sea turtles in New Jersey, recorded across 8 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When loggerhead sea turtles are recorded in New Jersey
Peak month
September
11 records (22.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 3 | 6.3% |
| March | 0 | 0% |
| April | 0 | 0% |
| May | 2 | 4.2% |
| June | 6 | 12.5% |
| Julypeak | 9 | 18.8% |
| Augustpeak | 9 | 18.8% |
| Septemberpeak | 11 | 22.9% |
| October | 6 | 12.5% |
| November | 2 | 4.2% |
| December | 0 | 0% |
Loggerhead Sea Turtles you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Loggerhead Sea Turtle | 48 |
Sightings of loggerhead sea turtles in New Jersey peak in September, when 11 of the year's 48 verified observations are logged — about 22.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through September, July and August.
The quietest stretch is January, March and April, when loggerhead 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 loggerhead sea turtles you are most likely to encounter in New Jersey are Loggerhead 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 loggerhead 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 loggerhead 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 loggerhead sea turtle viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best loggerhead sea turtle viewing area in New Jersey.
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Broader backupBook a loggerhead sea turtle tour in New Jersey
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see loggerhead sea turtles in New Jersey?+
September is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through September, July and August, based on 48 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are loggerhead sea turtles hardest to see in New Jersey?+
January is the quietest month for loggerhead sea turtles in New Jersey, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are loggerhead sea turtles active year-round in New Jersey?+
Loggerhead sea turtles are recorded in 8 of 12 months in New Jersey, concentrated around September and July.