Sharks in South Carolina in May
Yes, May is a good month to see sharks in South Carolina. It is the 4th busiest month of the year, with 154 of the 1,416 sightings logged across the year (10.9%), 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.
Good month for sharks in South Carolina
10.9%
of yearly sightings
154
records in May
#4
busiest month of 12
1,416
verified records a year
April 5.7%, May 10.9%, June 23.1%. 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, May carries 10.9% of the year's sharks sightings, about 2.6 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 4th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is rising from April (5.7%) into May, and it heads toward June (23.1%) after. The busiest month is June (23.1%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The sharks most often recorded in South Carolina are Atlantic Stingray, Atlantic Sharpnose Shark and Bonnethead. Those counts are annual totals rather than a May split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in May 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.
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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 May?+
Yes. May accounts for 154 of the 1,416 verified sharks sightings logged in South Carolina across the year, which is 10.9% of the annual total.
Is May a good time to see sharks in South Carolina?+
May is the 4th busiest month. It is workable, though June and July is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
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