Best Time to See Turkey Vultures in New Jersey
March, April and May is the best time to see turkey vultures in New Jersey. Based on 3,861 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when turkey vultures 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 July 20, 2026.
Turkey Vulture · geosesarma CC BY
Turkey Vulture · Bonnie Semmling CC BY
Turkey Vulture · carbenoid CC BY
3,861 verified observations of turkey vultures in New Jersey, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When turkey vultures are recorded in New Jersey
Peak month
March
572 records (14.8% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 202 | 5.2% |
| February | 245 | 6.3% |
| Marchpeak | 572 | 14.8% |
| Aprilpeak | 526 | 13.6% |
| Maypeak | 452 | 11.7% |
| June | 313 | 8.1% |
| July | 199 | 5.2% |
| August | 223 | 5.8% |
| September | 283 | 7.3% |
| October | 381 | 9.9% |
| November | 244 | 6.3% |
| December | 221 | 5.7% |
Turkey Vultures you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Turkey Vulture | 3,861 |
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 turkey vultures are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for turkey vultures sit around 35 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" |
| Marbest time | 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" |
| 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.
Sightings of turkey vultures in New Jersey peak in March, when 572 of the year's 3,861 verified observations are logged — about 14.8% of the annual total. Activity stays high through March, April and May.
The quietest stretch is July, January and December, when turkey vultures are hardest to find — July sees just 199 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The turkey vultures you are most likely to encounter in New Jersey are Turkey Vulture — 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 turkey vultures 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 turkey vultures in New Jersey?+
March is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through March, April and May, based on 3,861 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are turkey vultures hardest to see in New Jersey?+
July is the quietest month for turkey vultures in New Jersey, with only 199 verified records.
Are turkey vultures active year-round in New Jersey?+
Turkey vultures are recorded in 12 of 12 months in New Jersey, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in March.