Best Time to See Sharks in Oregon
September, October and August is the best time to see sharks in Oregon. Based on 501 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when sharks 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.
Smalltooth Cookiecutter Shark · Public domain CC0
Blue Shark · Felix Zareie-Vaux CC BY
Shortfin Mako · Public domain CC0
501 verified observations of sharks in Oregon, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When sharks are recorded in Oregon
Peak month
September
74 records (14.8% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32 | 6.4% |
| February | 25 | 5% |
| March | 30 | 6% |
| April | 30 | 6% |
| May | 25 | 5% |
| June | 25 | 5% |
| July | 54 | 10.8% |
| Augustpeak | 55 | 11% |
| Septemberpeak | 74 | 14.8% |
| Octoberpeak | 63 | 12.6% |
| November | 55 | 11% |
| December | 33 | 6.6% |
Sharks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Big Skate | 330 |
| Salmon Shark | 34 |
| Smalltooth Cookiecutter Shark | 14 |
| Longnose Skate | 11 |
| Blue Shark | 8 |
| California Skate | 4 |
| School Shark | 3 |
| Pacific Sleeper Shark | 3 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Oregon
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when sharks are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for sharks sit around 37 to 81 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" |
| Augbest time | 81°F | 56°F | 0.4" |
| Sepbest time | 71°F | 47°F | 1.2" |
| Octbest time | 58°F | 37°F | 1.2" |
| Nov | 45°F | 28°F | 2.3" |
| Dec | 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.
Sightings of sharks in Oregon peak in September, when 74 of the year's 501 verified observations are logged — about 14.8% of the annual total. Activity stays high through September, October and August.
The quietest stretch is February, May and June, when sharks are hardest to find — February sees just 25 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The sharks you are most likely to encounter in Oregon are Big Skate, Salmon Shark and Smalltooth Cookiecutter Shark — 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 sharks 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 sharks in Oregon?+
September is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through September, October and August, based on 501 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are sharks hardest to see in Oregon?+
February is the quietest month for sharks in Oregon, with only 25 verified records.
Are sharks active year-round in Oregon?+
Sharks are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Oregon, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in September.
More places to see sharks
More wildlife in Oregon