Best Time to See Sea Turtles in South Carolina
July, August and June is the best time to see sea turtles in South Carolina. Based on 396 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when 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 June 28, 2026.
Green Sea Turtle · Rebecca Turner CC BY
Loggerhead Sea Turtle · Luke CC BY
Loggerhead Sea Turtle · sdash CC BY
396 verified observations of sea turtles in South Carolina, recorded across 11 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When sea turtles are recorded in South Carolina
Peak month
July
111 records (28% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5 | 1.3% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 3 | 0.8% |
| April | 8 | 2% |
| May | 54 | 13.6% |
| Junepeak | 72 | 18.2% |
| Julypeak | 111 | 28% |
| Augustpeak | 91 | 23% |
| September | 24 | 6.1% |
| October | 14 | 3.5% |
| November | 8 | 2% |
| December | 6 | 1.5% |
Sea Turtles you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Loggerhead Sea Turtle | 302 |
| Green Sea Turtle | 53 |
| Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle | 18 |
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 sea turtles are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for 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.
Sightings of sea turtles in South Carolina peak in July, when 111 of the year's 396 verified observations are logged — about 28% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, August and June.
The quietest stretch is February, when 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 sea turtles you are most likely to encounter in South Carolina are Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Green Sea Turtle and Kemp's Ridley 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 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 sea turtles in South Carolina?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, August and June, based on 396 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are sea turtles hardest to see in South Carolina?+
February is the quietest month for sea turtles in South Carolina, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are sea turtles active year-round in South Carolina?+
Sea turtles are recorded in 11 of 12 months in South Carolina, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in July.
More places to see sea turtles
More wildlife in South Carolina