Best Time to See Sea Turtles in New York
August, December and July is the best time to see sea turtles in New York. Based on 93 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when 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 2, 2026.
93 verified observations of sea turtles in New York, recorded across 11 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When sea turtles are recorded in New York
Peak month
August
34 records (36.6% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4 | 4.3% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 1 | 1.1% |
| April | 2 | 2.2% |
| May | 1 | 1.1% |
| June | 3 | 3.2% |
| Julypeak | 15 | 16.1% |
| Augustpeak | 34 | 36.6% |
| September | 9 | 9.7% |
| October | 3 | 3.2% |
| November | 3 | 3.2% |
| Decemberpeak | 18 | 19.4% |
Sea Turtles you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle | 37 |
| Loggerhead Sea Turtle | 30 |
| Green Sea Turtle | 19 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in New York
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when sea turtles are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for sea turtles sit around 24 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29°F | 15°F | 3.7" |
| Feb | 32°F | 16°F | 3.6" |
| Mar | 41°F | 23°F | 3.8" |
| Apr | 52°F | 34°F | 4.9" |
| May | 63°F | 45°F | 3.9" |
| Jun | 72°F | 55°F | 3.8" |
| Julbest time | 77°F | 61°F | 5.3" |
| Augbest time | 75°F | 60°F | 5.3" |
| Sep | 68°F | 53°F | 3.4" |
| Oct | 58°F | 44°F | 5.1" |
| Nov | 43°F | 30°F | 3.3" |
| Decbest time | 36°F | 24°F | 4.7" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for New York. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of sea turtles in New York peak in August, when 34 of the year's 93 verified observations are logged — about 36.6% of the annual total. Activity stays high through August, December and July.
The quietest stretch is February, March and May, when 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 sea turtles you are most likely to encounter in New York are Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle, Loggerhead Sea Turtle and 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 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
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see sea turtles in New York?+
August is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through August, December and July, based on 93 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are sea turtles hardest to see in New York?+
February is the quietest month for sea turtles in New York, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are sea turtles active year-round in New York?+
Sea turtles are recorded in 11 of 12 months in New York, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in August.
More places to see sea turtles
More wildlife in New York