Best Time to See Sharks in Rhode Island
June, July and August is the best time to see sharks in Rhode Island. Based on 393 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when sharks are most active across the year in Rhode Island.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
Clearnose Skate · Sawyer Baran CC BY
Little Skate · Sawyer Baran CC BY
Little Skate · Sawyer Baran CC BY
393 verified observations of sharks in Rhode Island, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When sharks are recorded in Rhode Island
Peak month
June
76 records (19.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 12 | 3.1% |
| February | 16 | 4.1% |
| March | 13 | 3.3% |
| April | 31 | 7.9% |
| May | 36 | 9.2% |
| Junepeak | 76 | 19.3% |
| Julypeak | 67 | 17% |
| Augustpeak | 61 | 15.5% |
| September | 34 | 8.7% |
| October | 21 | 5.3% |
| November | 18 | 4.6% |
| December | 8 | 2% |
Sharks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Little Skate | 105 |
| Dusky Smooth-hound | 85 |
| Clearnose Skate | 46 |
| Sand Tiger Shark | 9 |
| Rosette Skate | 9 |
| Winter Skate | 6 |
| Western Atlantic Torpedo | 4 |
| Basking Shark | 3 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Rhode Island
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 59 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39°F | 25°F | 4.3" |
| Feb | 41°F | 25°F | 4" |
| Mar | 49°F | 31°F | 4" |
| Apr | 57°F | 40°F | 5.2" |
| May | 67°F | 49°F | 4" |
| Junbest time | 77°F | 59°F | 3.7" |
| Julbest time | 83°F | 67°F | 4.9" |
| Augbest time | 81°F | 66°F | 3.7" |
| Sep | 74°F | 59°F | 5" |
| Oct | 64°F | 50°F | 5.9" |
| Nov | 52°F | 37°F | 3.6" |
| Dec | 44°F | 30°F | 6.5" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Rhode Island. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of sharks in Rhode Island peak in June, when 76 of the year's 393 verified observations are logged — about 19.3% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, July and August.
The quietest stretch is December and January, when sharks 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 sharks you are most likely to encounter in Rhode Island are Little Skate, Dusky Smooth-hound and Clearnose Skate — 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 Rhode Island
- Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Roger Williams National Memorial — National Memorial
- Touro Synagogue National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see sharks in Rhode Island?+
June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, July and August, based on 393 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are sharks hardest to see in Rhode Island?+
December is the quietest month for sharks in Rhode Island, with only 8 verified records.
Are sharks active year-round in Rhode Island?+
Sharks are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Rhode Island, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in June.
More places to see sharks
More wildlife in Rhode Island