Best Time to See Seals in New Jersey
March, February and January is the best time to see seals in New Jersey. Based on 546 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when seals 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.
546 verified observations of seals in New Jersey, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When seals are recorded in New Jersey
Peak month
March
160 records (29.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 109 | 20% |
| Februarypeak | 128 | 23.4% |
| Marchpeak | 160 | 29.3% |
| April | 44 | 8.1% |
| May | 11 | 2% |
| June | 3 | 0.5% |
| July | 2 | 0.4% |
| August | 7 | 1.3% |
| September | 3 | 0.5% |
| October | 3 | 0.5% |
| November | 11 | 2% |
| December | 65 | 11.9% |
Seals you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Harbor Seal | 405 |
| Grey Seal | 103 |
| Harp Seal | 18 |
| Hooded Seal | 1 |
Sightings of seals in New Jersey peak in March, when 160 of the year's 546 verified observations are logged — about 29.3% of the annual total. Activity stays high through March, February and January.
The quietest stretch is July, June and September, when seals are hardest to find — July sees just 2 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The seals you are most likely to encounter in New Jersey are Harbor Seal, Grey Seal and Harp Seal — 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 seals 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
Viator
Book a seal tour in New Jersey
Guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences, with free cancellation on most.
Booking.com
Stay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best seal viewing in New Jersey.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see seals in New Jersey?+
March is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through March, February and January, based on 546 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are seals hardest to see in New Jersey?+
July is the quietest month for seals in New Jersey, with only 2 verified records.
Are seals active year-round in New Jersey?+
Seals are recorded in 12 of 12 months in New Jersey, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in March.
More wildlife in New Jersey