Best Time to See Seals in New York
January, February and March is the best time to see seals in New York. Based on 765 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when seals 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 June 28, 2026.
765 verified observations of seals in New York, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When seals are recorded in New York
Peak month
January
156 records (20.4% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 156 | 20.4% |
| Februarypeak | 118 | 15.4% |
| Marchpeak | 116 | 15.2% |
| April | 100 | 13.1% |
| May | 36 | 4.7% |
| June | 31 | 4.1% |
| July | 13 | 1.7% |
| August | 14 | 1.8% |
| September | 18 | 2.4% |
| October | 15 | 2% |
| November | 59 | 7.7% |
| December | 89 | 11.6% |
Seals you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Harbor Seal | 493 |
| Grey Seal | 234 |
| Harp Seal | 16 |
Sightings of seals in New York peak in January, when 156 of the year's 765 verified observations are logged — about 20.4% of the annual total. Activity stays high through January, February and March.
The quietest stretch is July, August and October, when seals are hardest to find — July sees just 13 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The seals you are most likely to encounter in New York are Harbor Seal, Grey Seal and Harp Seal — 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 seals 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
Tours and experiences nearby
Viator
Book a seal tour in New York
Guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences, with free cancellation on most.
Booking.com
Stay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best seal viewing in New York.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see seals in New York?+
January is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through January, February and March, based on 765 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are seals hardest to see in New York?+
July is the quietest month for seals in New York, with only 13 verified records.
Are seals active year-round in New York?+
Seals are recorded in 12 of 12 months in New York, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in January.