Best Time to See Loggerhead Sea Turtles in South Carolina
July, August and June is the best time to see loggerhead sea turtles in South Carolina. Based on 306 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when loggerhead sea turtles are most active across the year in South Carolina.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 10, 2026.
Loggerhead Sea Turtle · Luke CC BY
Loggerhead Sea Turtle · sdash CC BY
Loggerhead Sea Turtle · Public domain CC0
306 verified observations of loggerhead sea turtles in South Carolina, recorded across 10 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When loggerhead sea turtles are recorded in South Carolina
Peak month
July
92 records (30.1% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4 | 1.3% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 1 | 0.3% |
| April | 1 | 0.3% |
| May | 38 | 12.4% |
| Junepeak | 59 | 19.3% |
| Julypeak | 92 | 30.1% |
| Augustpeak | 83 | 27.1% |
| September | 14 | 4.6% |
| October | 13 | 4.2% |
| November | 0 | 0% |
| December | 1 | 0.3% |
Loggerhead Sea Turtles you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Loggerhead Sea Turtle | 306 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in South Carolina
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when loggerhead sea turtles are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for loggerhead sea turtles sit around 69 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 57°F | 41°F | 4.6" |
| Feb | 63°F | 44°F | 4" |
| Mar | 69°F | 49°F | 4" |
| Apr | 76°F | 54°F | 4.5" |
| May | 83°F | 63°F | 3.4" |
| Junbest time | 88°F | 69°F | 4.2" |
| Julbest time | 92°F | 74°F | 5.2" |
| Augbest time | 90°F | 73°F | 4.9" |
| Sep | 85°F | 67°F | 4.1" |
| Oct | 77°F | 58°F | 2.3" |
| Nov | 66°F | 47°F | 2.7" |
| Dec | 60°F | 43°F | 4.5" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for South Carolina. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on loggerhead sea turtles in South Carolina:
Sightings of loggerhead sea turtles in South Carolina peak in July, when 92 of the year's 306 verified observations are logged — about 30.1% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, August and June.
The quietest stretch is February, November and March, when loggerhead sea turtles are hardest to find — no verified records exist for February. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The loggerhead sea turtles you are most likely to encounter in South Carolina are Loggerhead 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 loggerhead sea turtles in South Carolina
- Charles Pinckney National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Ninety Six National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Congaree National Park — National Park
- Cowpens National Battlefield — National Battlefield
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see loggerhead sea turtles in South Carolina?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, August and June, based on 306 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are loggerhead sea turtles hardest to see in South Carolina?+
February is the quietest month for loggerhead sea turtles in South Carolina, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are loggerhead sea turtles active year-round in South Carolina?+
Loggerhead sea turtles are recorded in 10 of 12 months in South Carolina, concentrated around July and August.
More places to see loggerhead sea turtles
More wildlife in South Carolina