Best Time to See Green Sea Turtles in New York
December, August and November is the best time to see green sea turtles in New York. Based on 19 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when green sea turtles are most active across the year in New York.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 10, 2026.
19 verified observations of green sea turtles in New York, recorded across 5 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When green sea turtles are recorded in New York
Peak month
December
8 records (42.1% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2 | 10.5% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 0 | 0% |
| April | 0 | 0% |
| May | 0 | 0% |
| June | 0 | 0% |
| July | 0 | 0% |
| Augustpeak | 5 | 26.3% |
| September | 0 | 0% |
| October | 1 | 5.3% |
| Novemberpeak | 3 | 15.8% |
| Decemberpeak | 8 | 42.1% |
Green Sea Turtles you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Green Sea Turtle | 19 |
Sightings of green sea turtles in New York peak in December, when 8 of the year's 19 verified observations are logged — about 42.1% of the annual total. Activity stays high through December, August and November.
The quietest stretch is February, March and April, when green sea turtles are hardest to find — no verified records exist for February. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The green sea turtles you are most likely to encounter in New York are Green Sea Turtle — 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 green sea turtles in New York
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Chesapeake Bay
- Fire Island National Seashore — National Seashore
- Martin Van Buren National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- National Parks of New York Harbor
Plan your green sea turtle trip in New York
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.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main green sea turtle viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best green sea turtle viewing area in New York.
Viator
Broader backupBook a green sea turtle tour in New York
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see green sea turtles in New York?+
December is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through December, August and November, based on 19 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are green sea turtles hardest to see in New York?+
February is the quietest month for green sea turtles in New York, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are green sea turtles active year-round in New York?+
Green sea turtles are recorded in 5 of 12 months in New York, concentrated around December and August.
More wildlife in New York