Sharks in South Carolina in August
Yes, August is one of the best months to see sharks in South Carolina. It is the 3rd busiest month of the year, with 201 of the 1,416 sightings logged across the year (14.2%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 30, 2026.
Peak month for sharks in South Carolina
14.2%
of yearly sightings
201
records in August
#3
busiest month of 12
1,416
verified records a year
July 18.5%, August 14.2%, September 6.8%. Busiest month is June at 23.1%.
1,416 verified observations of sharks in South Carolina, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When sharks are recorded in South Carolina
Peak month
June
327 records (23.1% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 20 | 1.4% |
| February | 22 | 1.6% |
| March | 75 | 5.3% |
| April | 81 | 5.7% |
| May | 154 | 10.9% |
| Junepeak | 327 | 23.1% |
| Julypeak | 262 | 18.5% |
| Augustpeak | 201 | 14.2% |
| September | 96 | 6.8% |
| October | 106 | 7.5% |
| November | 31 | 2.2% |
| December | 41 | 2.9% |
Sharks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Atlantic Stingray | 340 |
| Atlantic Sharpnose Shark | 241 |
| Bonnethead | 105 |
| Common Blacktip Shark | 83 |
| Bluntnose Stingray | 58 |
| Finetooth Shark | 57 |
| Sandbar Shark | 46 |
| Lessa's Butterfly Ray | 36 |
In South Carolina, August carries 14.2% of the year's sharks sightings, about 5.9 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 3rd busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is easing off from July (18.5%) into August, and it heads toward September (6.8%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so August is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.
The sharks most often recorded in South Carolina are Atlantic Stingray, Atlantic Sharpnose Shark and Bonnethead. 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 sharks you are most likely to see
- Atlantic Stingray340 records
- Atlantic Sharpnose Shark241 records
- Bonnethead105 records
- Common Blacktip Shark83 records
- Bluntnose Stingray58 records
- Finetooth Shark57 records
Plan your 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.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main shark viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best shark viewing area in South Carolina.
Viator
Broader backupBook a shark tour in South Carolina
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see sharks in South Carolina in August?+
Yes. August accounts for 201 of the 1,416 verified sharks sightings logged in South Carolina across the year, which is 14.2% of the annual total.
Is August a good time to see sharks in South Carolina?+
August is one of the best months. It ranks 3rd of the year and sits inside the peak window of June, July and August.
What month is best for sharks in South Carolina?+
June is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through June, July and August, based on 1,416 verified observations.
Which sharks are you most likely to see in South Carolina?+
The most-recorded species in South Carolina are Atlantic Stingray, Atlantic Sharpnose Shark and Bonnethead, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See sharks in South Carolina in other months
More wildlife in South Carolina