Best Time to See Sea Turtles in Oregon
November, December and October is the best time to see sea turtles in Oregon. Based on 5 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when sea turtles are most active across the year in Oregon.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
5 verified observations of sea turtles in Oregon, recorded across 3 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When sea turtles are recorded in Oregon
Peak month
November
2 records (40% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 0 | 0% |
| April | 0 | 0% |
| May | 0 | 0% |
| June | 0 | 0% |
| July | 0 | 0% |
| August | 0 | 0% |
| September | 0 | 0% |
| Octoberpeak | 1 | 20% |
| Novemberpeak | 2 | 40% |
| Decemberpeak | 2 | 40% |
Sea Turtles you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Olive Ridley Sea Turtle | 5 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Oregon
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 25 to 58 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39°F | 26°F | 2" |
| Feb | 38°F | 22°F | 2.4" |
| Mar | 43°F | 25°F | 1.9" |
| Apr | 52°F | 32°F | 2.2" |
| May | 61°F | 40°F | 2" |
| Jun | 71°F | 48°F | 1.1" |
| Jul | 83°F | 56°F | 0.1" |
| Aug | 81°F | 56°F | 0.4" |
| Sep | 71°F | 47°F | 1.2" |
| Octbest time | 58°F | 37°F | 1.2" |
| Novbest time | 45°F | 28°F | 2.3" |
| Decbest time | 37°F | 25°F | 2.4" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Oregon. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on sea turtles in Oregon:
Sightings of sea turtles in Oregon peak in November, when 2 of the year's 5 verified observations are logged — about 40% of the annual total. Activity stays high through November, December and October.
The quietest stretch is January, February and March, when sea turtles are hardest to find — no verified records exist for January. 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 Oregon are Olive Ridley 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 Oregon
- Crater Lake National Park — National Park
- Fort Vancouver National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Lewis and Clark National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Nez Perce National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve — National Monument & Preserve
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see sea turtles in Oregon?+
November is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through November, December and October, based on 5 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are sea turtles hardest to see in Oregon?+
January is the quietest month for sea turtles in Oregon, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are sea turtles active year-round in Oregon?+
Sea turtles are recorded in 3 of 12 months in Oregon, concentrated around November and December.
More places to see sea turtles
More wildlife in Oregon