Best Time to See Owls in New Jersey
April, March and January is the best time to see owls in New Jersey. Based on 1,783 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when owls 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.
1,783 verified observations of owls in New Jersey, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When owls are recorded in New Jersey
Peak month
April
219 records (12.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 202 | 11.3% |
| February | 166 | 9.3% |
| Marchpeak | 204 | 11.4% |
| Aprilpeak | 219 | 12.3% |
| May | 168 | 9.4% |
| June | 129 | 7.2% |
| July | 100 | 5.6% |
| August | 96 | 5.4% |
| September | 95 | 5.3% |
| October | 90 | 5% |
| November | 124 | 7% |
| December | 190 | 10.7% |
Owls you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Great Horned Owl | 673 |
| Barred Owl | 324 |
| Eastern Screech-Owl | 322 |
| Snowy Owl | 160 |
| Short-eared Owl | 98 |
| Long-eared Owl | 50 |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | 34 |
| American Barn Owl | 12 |
Sightings of owls in New Jersey peak in April, when 219 of the year's 1,783 verified observations are logged — about 12.3% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, March and January.
The quietest stretch is October, September and August, when owls are hardest to find — October sees just 90 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The owls you are most likely to encounter in New Jersey are Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl and Eastern Screech-Owl — 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 owls 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 owl 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 owl viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best owl viewing area in New Jersey.
Viator
Broader backupBook a owl 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 owls in New Jersey?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, March and January, based on 1,783 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are owls hardest to see in New Jersey?+
October is the quietest month for owls in New Jersey, with only 90 verified records.
Are owls active year-round in New Jersey?+
Owls are recorded in 12 of 12 months in New Jersey, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More places to see owls
More wildlife in New Jersey