Hammerhead Sharks in South Carolina in August

Yes, August is a good month to see hammerhead sharks in South Carolina. It is the 4th busiest month of the year, with 21 of the 139 sightings logged across the year (15.1%), based on verified iNaturalist records.

T

By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 10, 2026.

Good month for hammerhead sharks in South Carolina

15.1%

of yearly sightings

21

records in August

#4

busiest month of 12

139

verified records a year

July 18%, August 15.1%, September 7.2%. Busiest month is June at 25.2%.

Best months: June, May, JulyPeak season right now

139 verified observations of hammerhead sharks in South Carolina, recorded across 11 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When hammerhead sharks are recorded in South Carolina

Peak month

June

35 records (25.2% of the year)

Quietest month

January

No verified records

MonthObservationsShare
January00%
February10.7%
March53.6%
April53.6%
Maypeak2618.7%
Junepeak3525.2%
Julypeak2518%
August2115.1%
September107.2%
October75%
November32.2%
December10.7%

Hammerhead Sharks you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Bonnethead105
Scalloped Hammerhead8
Carolina Hammerhead1

In South Carolina, August carries 15.1% of the year's hammerhead sharks sightings, about 6.8 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 4th busiest of the twelve months, out of 11 months with recorded activity.

Activity is easing off from July (18%) into August, and it heads toward September (7.2%) after. The busiest month is June (25.2%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.

The hammerhead sharks most often recorded in South Carolina are Bonnethead, Scalloped Hammerhead and Carolina Hammerhead. Those counts are annual totals rather than a August split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in August itself.

Which hammerhead sharks you are most likely to see

  • Bonnethead105 records
  • Scalloped Hammerhead8 records
  • Carolina Hammerhead1 records
Plan your tripCharles Pinckney National Historic Site

Plan your hammerhead shark trip in South Carolina

Start with live tours near Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.

Frequently asked questions

Can you see hammerhead sharks in South Carolina in August?+

Yes. August accounts for 21 of the 139 verified hammerhead sharks sightings logged in South Carolina across the year, which is 15.1% of the annual total.

Is August a good time to see hammerhead sharks in South Carolina?+

August is the 4th busiest month. It is workable, though June and May is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.

What month is best for hammerhead sharks in South Carolina?+

June is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through June, May and July, based on 139 verified observations.

Which hammerhead sharks are you most likely to see in South Carolina?+

The most-recorded species in South Carolina are Bonnethead, Scalloped Hammerhead and Carolina Hammerhead, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.