Green Sea Turtles in North Carolina in January
Yes, January is one of the best months to see green sea turtles in North Carolina. It is the 3rd busiest month of the year, with 12 of the 118 sightings logged across the year (10.2%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 10, 2026.
Peak month for green sea turtles in North Carolina
10.2%
of yearly sightings
12
records in January
#3
busiest month of 12
118
verified records a year
December 9.3%, January 10.2%, February 4.2%. Busiest month is October at 17.8%.
118 verified observations of green sea turtles in North Carolina, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When green sea turtles are recorded in North Carolina
Peak month
October
21 records (17.8% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 12 | 10.2% |
| February | 5 | 4.2% |
| March | 2 | 1.7% |
| April | 9 | 7.6% |
| Maypeak | 13 | 11% |
| June | 10 | 8.5% |
| July | 11 | 9.3% |
| August | 9 | 7.6% |
| September | 3 | 2.5% |
| Octoberpeak | 21 | 17.8% |
| November | 12 | 10.2% |
| December | 11 | 9.3% |
Green Sea Turtles you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Green Sea Turtle | 118 |
In North Carolina, January carries 10.2% of the year's green sea turtles sightings, about 1.9 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 3rd busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity holds steady between December and January, and it heads toward February (4.2%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so January is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.
The green sea turtles most often recorded in North Carolina are Green Sea Turtle. Those counts are annual totals rather than a January split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in January itself.
Which green sea turtles you are most likely to see
- Green Sea Turtle118 records
Plan your green sea turtle trip in North Carolina
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.
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Stay nearbyStay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best green sea turtle viewing area in North Carolina.
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Broader backupBook a green sea turtle tour in North Carolina
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Frequently asked questions
Can you see green sea turtles in North Carolina in January?+
Yes. January accounts for 12 of the 118 verified green sea turtles sightings logged in North Carolina across the year, which is 10.2% of the annual total.
Is January a good time to see green sea turtles in North Carolina?+
January is one of the best months. It ranks 3rd of the year and sits inside the peak window of October, May and January.
What month is best for green sea turtles in North Carolina?+
October is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through October, May and January, based on 118 verified observations.
Which green sea turtles are you most likely to see in North Carolina?+
The most-recorded species in North Carolina are Green Sea Turtle, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See green sea turtles in North Carolina in other months
More wildlife in North Carolina