Hammerhead Sharks in North Carolina in May
Yes, May is one of the best months to see hammerhead sharks in North Carolina. It is the 2nd busiest month of the year, with 12 of the 75 sightings logged across the year (16%), 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 hammerhead sharks in North Carolina
16%
of yearly sightings
12
records in May
#2
busiest month of 12
75
verified records a year
April 4%, May 16%, June 16%. Busiest month is September at 34.7%.
75 verified observations of hammerhead sharks in North Carolina, recorded across 10 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When hammerhead sharks are recorded in North Carolina
Peak month
September
26 records (34.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2 | 2.7% |
| February | 1 | 1.3% |
| March | 0 | 0% |
| April | 3 | 4% |
| Maypeak | 12 | 16% |
| Junepeak | 12 | 16% |
| July | 5 | 6.7% |
| August | 11 | 14.7% |
| Septemberpeak | 26 | 34.7% |
| October | 2 | 2.7% |
| November | 1 | 1.3% |
| December | 0 | 0% |
Hammerhead Sharks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Bonnethead | 20 |
| Scalloped Hammerhead | 10 |
| Great Hammerhead | 6 |
| Smooth Hammerhead | 3 |
In North Carolina, May carries 16% of the year's hammerhead sharks sightings, about 7.7 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 2nd busiest of the twelve months, out of 10 months with recorded activity.
Activity is rising from April (4%) into May, and it heads toward June (16%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so May is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.
The hammerhead sharks most often recorded in North Carolina are Bonnethead, Scalloped Hammerhead and Great Hammerhead. Those counts are annual totals rather than a May split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in May itself.
Which hammerhead sharks you are most likely to see
- Bonnethead20 records
- Scalloped Hammerhead10 records
- Great Hammerhead6 records
- Smooth Hammerhead3 records
Plan your hammerhead shark 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 hammerhead shark viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best hammerhead shark viewing area in North Carolina.
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Broader backupBook a hammerhead shark tour in North Carolina
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see hammerhead sharks in North Carolina in May?+
Yes. May accounts for 12 of the 75 verified hammerhead sharks sightings logged in North Carolina across the year, which is 16% of the annual total.
Is May a good time to see hammerhead sharks in North Carolina?+
May is one of the best months. It ranks 2nd of the year and sits inside the peak window of September, May and June.
What month is best for hammerhead sharks in North Carolina?+
September is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through September, May and June, based on 75 verified observations.
Which hammerhead sharks are you most likely to see in North Carolina?+
The most-recorded species in North Carolina are Bonnethead, Scalloped Hammerhead and Great Hammerhead, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See hammerhead sharks in North Carolina in other months
More wildlife in North Carolina