Best Time to See Squirrels in New Jersey
September, May and April is the best time to see squirrels in New Jersey. Based on 15,889 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when squirrels 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.
Eastern Gray Squirrel · Sandy Wolkenberg CC BY
Eastern Gray Squirrel · Sandy Wolkenberg CC BY
Eastern Gray Squirrel · Sandy Wolkenberg CC BY
15,889 verified observations of squirrels in New Jersey, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When squirrels are recorded in New Jersey
Peak month
September
2,275 records (14.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 624 | 3.9% |
| February | 628 | 4% |
| March | 1,298 | 8.2% |
| Aprilpeak | 1,882 | 11.8% |
| Maypeak | 2,148 | 13.5% |
| June | 1,724 | 10.9% |
| July | 996 | 6.3% |
| August | 848 | 5.3% |
| Septemberpeak | 2,275 | 14.3% |
| October | 1,782 | 11.2% |
| November | 940 | 5.9% |
| December | 744 | 4.7% |
Squirrels you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | 10,055 |
| Eastern Chipmunk | 2,883 |
| Groundhog | 2,474 |
| American Red Squirrel | 231 |
| Southern Flying Squirrel | 118 |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | 1 |
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 squirrels are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for squirrels sit around 44 to 78 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" |
| Sepbest time | 78°F | 61°F | 4.4" |
| Oct | 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 squirrels in New Jersey:
Sightings of squirrels in New Jersey peak in September, when 2,275 of the year's 15,889 verified observations are logged — about 14.3% of the annual total. Activity stays high through September, May and April.
The quietest stretch is January, February and December, when squirrels are hardest to find — January sees just 624 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The squirrels you are most likely to encounter in New Jersey are Eastern Gray Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk and Groundhog — 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 squirrels 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
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see squirrels in New Jersey?+
September is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through September, May and April, based on 15,889 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are squirrels hardest to see in New Jersey?+
January is the quietest month for squirrels in New Jersey, with only 624 verified records.
Are squirrels active year-round in New Jersey?+
Squirrels are recorded in 12 of 12 months in New Jersey, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in September.
More places to see squirrels
More wildlife in New Jersey