Best Time to See Pelicans in New Jersey
August, October and June is the best time to see pelicans in New Jersey. Based on 307 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when pelicans 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.
307 verified observations of pelicans in New Jersey, recorded across 11 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in New Jersey
Peak month
August
67 records (21.8% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2 | 0.7% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 3 | 1% |
| April | 11 | 3.6% |
| May | 30 | 9.8% |
| Junepeak | 38 | 12.4% |
| July | 33 | 10.7% |
| Augustpeak | 67 | 21.8% |
| September | 33 | 10.7% |
| Octoberpeak | 62 | 20.2% |
| November | 19 | 6.2% |
| December | 9 | 2.9% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Brown Pelican | 250 |
| American White Pelican | 55 |
Sightings of pelicans in New Jersey peak in August, when 67 of the year's 307 verified observations are logged — about 21.8% of the annual total. Activity stays high through August, October and June.
The quietest stretch is February, when pelicans are hardest to find — no verified records exist for February. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The pelicans you are most likely to encounter in New Jersey are Brown Pelican and American White Pelican — 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 pelicans 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
Tours and experiences nearby
Booking.com
Stay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best pelican viewing in New Jersey.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see pelicans in New Jersey?+
August is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through August, October and June, based on 307 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are pelicans hardest to see in New Jersey?+
February is the quietest month for pelicans in New Jersey, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are pelicans active year-round in New Jersey?+
Pelicans are recorded in 11 of 12 months in New Jersey, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in August.
More places to see pelicans