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.
Loggerhead Sea Turtle · Public domain CC0
Loggerhead Sea Turtle · Samuel Paul Galick CC BY
Loggerhead Sea Turtle · Peter Burka CC BY-SA
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 |
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 loggerhead sea turtles are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for loggerhead sea turtles sit around 61 to 88 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" |
| Julbest time | 88°F | 70°F | 5.2" |
| Augbest time | 85°F | 69°F | 4.3" |
| Sepbest time | 78°F | 61°F | 4.4" |
| Oct | 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 loggerhead sea turtles in New Jersey:
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
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.
More places to see loggerhead sea turtles
More wildlife in New Jersey