Best Time to See Turkey Vultures in Oregon
April, May and July is the best time to see turkey vultures in Oregon. Based on 4,818 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when turkey vultures 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 July 20, 2026.
Turkey Vulture · David Anderson CC BY
Turkey Vulture · David Anderson CC BY
Turkey Vulture · Kirill Ignatyev CC BY-SA
4,818 verified observations of turkey vultures in Oregon, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When turkey vultures are recorded in Oregon
Peak month
April
820 records (17% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 23 | 0.5% |
| February | 51 | 1.1% |
| March | 489 | 10.1% |
| Aprilpeak | 820 | 17% |
| Maypeak | 816 | 16.9% |
| June | 629 | 13.1% |
| Julypeak | 668 | 13.9% |
| August | 529 | 11% |
| September | 642 | 13.3% |
| October | 129 | 2.7% |
| November | 14 | 0.3% |
| December | 8 | 0.2% |
Turkey Vultures you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Turkey Vulture | 4,818 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Oregon
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when turkey vultures are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for turkey vultures sit around 32 to 83 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" |
| Aprbest time | 52°F | 32°F | 2.2" |
| Maybest time | 61°F | 40°F | 2" |
| Jun | 71°F | 48°F | 1.1" |
| Julbest time | 83°F | 56°F | 0.1" |
| Aug | 81°F | 56°F | 0.4" |
| Sep | 71°F | 47°F | 1.2" |
| Oct | 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 turkey vultures in Oregon peak in April, when 820 of the year's 4,818 verified observations are logged — about 17% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, May and July.
The quietest stretch is December, when turkey vultures are hardest to find — December sees just 8 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The turkey vultures you are most likely to encounter in Oregon are Turkey Vulture — 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 turkey vultures 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 turkey vultures in Oregon?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, May and July, based on 4,818 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are turkey vultures hardest to see in Oregon?+
December is the quietest month for turkey vultures in Oregon, with only 8 verified records.
Are turkey vultures active year-round in Oregon?+
Turkey vultures are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Oregon, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More wildlife in Oregon