Best Time to See Raccoons in New Jersey
May, April and October is the best time to see raccoons in New Jersey. Based on 1,963 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when raccoons 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.
Common Raccoon · Bonnie Semmling CC BY
Common Raccoon · gwt2102 CC BY
Common Raccoon · Sandy Wolkenberg CC BY
1,963 verified observations of raccoons in New Jersey, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When raccoons are recorded in New Jersey
Peak month
May
253 records (12.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 111 | 5.7% |
| February | 115 | 5.9% |
| March | 197 | 10% |
| Aprilpeak | 227 | 11.6% |
| Maypeak | 253 | 12.9% |
| June | 180 | 9.2% |
| July | 152 | 7.7% |
| August | 113 | 5.8% |
| September | 148 | 7.5% |
| Octoberpeak | 201 | 10.2% |
| November | 147 | 7.5% |
| December | 119 | 6.1% |
Raccoons you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Common Raccoon | 1,963 |
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 raccoons are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for raccoons sit around 44 to 72 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" |
| Aprbest time | 63°F | 44°F | 4.6" |
| Maybest time | 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 raccoons in New Jersey:
Sightings of raccoons in New Jersey peak in May, when 253 of the year's 1,963 verified observations are logged — about 12.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, April and October.
The quietest stretch is January, August and February, when raccoons are hardest to find — January sees just 111 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The raccoons you are most likely to encounter in New Jersey are Common Raccoon — 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 raccoons 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 raccoons in New Jersey?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, April and October, based on 1,963 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are raccoons hardest to see in New Jersey?+
January is the quietest month for raccoons in New Jersey, with only 111 verified records.
Are raccoons active year-round in New Jersey?+
Raccoons are recorded in 12 of 12 months in New Jersey, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More places to see raccoons
More wildlife in New Jersey