Sharks in New Jersey in June

Yes, June is one of the best months to see sharks in New Jersey. It is the 1st busiest month of the year, with 287 of the 1,648 sightings logged across the year (17.4%), based on verified iNaturalist records.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.

Dusky Smooth-hound photographed in New JerseyTiger Shark photographed in New JerseyClearnose Skate photographed in New Jersey
Photos by iNaturalist observers, used under Creative Commons.

Peak month for sharks in New Jersey

17.4%

of yearly sightings

287

records in June

#1

busiest month of 12

1,648

verified records a year

May 16%, June 17.4%, July 14.7%. Busiest month is June at 17.4%.

Best months: June, May, JulyPeak season right now

1,648 verified observations of sharks in New Jersey, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When sharks are recorded in New Jersey

Peak month

June

287 records (17.4% of the year)

Quietest month

February

44 records

MonthObservationsShare
January472.9%
February442.7%
March563.4%
April603.6%
Maypeak26316%
Junepeak28717.4%
Julypeak24214.7%
August22913.9%
September1287.8%
October1448.7%
November935.6%
December553.3%

Sharks you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Dusky Smooth-hound405
Little Skate275
Clearnose Skate253
Cownose Ray86
Spiny Dogfish71
Rosette Skate61
Sandbar Shark40
Bullnose Eagle Ray23

In New Jersey, June carries 17.4% of the year's sharks sightings, about 9.1 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 1st busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.

Activity is rising from May (16%) into June, and it heads toward July (14.7%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so June is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.

The sharks most often recorded in New Jersey are Dusky Smooth-hound, Little Skate and Clearnose Skate. Those counts are annual totals rather than a June split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in June itself.

Which sharks you are most likely to see

  • Dusky Smooth-hound405 records
  • Little Skate275 records
  • Clearnose Skate253 records
  • Cownose Ray86 records
  • Spiny Dogfish71 records
  • Rosette Skate61 records
Plan your tripAppalachian National Scenic Trail

Plan your shark 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.

Frequently asked questions

Can you see sharks in New Jersey in June?+

Yes. June accounts for 287 of the 1,648 verified sharks sightings logged in New Jersey across the year, which is 17.4% of the annual total.

Is June a good time to see sharks in New Jersey?+

June is one of the best months. It ranks 1st of the year and sits inside the peak window of June, May and July.

What month is best for sharks in New Jersey?+

June is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through June, May and July, based on 1,648 verified observations.

Which sharks are you most likely to see in New Jersey?+

The most-recorded species in New Jersey are Dusky Smooth-hound, Little Skate and Clearnose Skate, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.