Best Time to See Turkey Vultures in Tennessee
April, March and October is the best time to see turkey vultures in Tennessee. Based on 1,739 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when turkey vultures are most active across the year in Tennessee.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 20, 2026.
Turkey Vulture · Public domain CC0
Turkey Vulture · Jay Brasher CC BY
Turkey Vulture · Jay Brasher CC BY
1,739 verified observations of turkey vultures in Tennessee, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When turkey vultures are recorded in Tennessee
Peak month
April
238 records (13.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 82 | 4.7% |
| February | 165 | 9.5% |
| Marchpeak | 221 | 12.7% |
| Aprilpeak | 238 | 13.7% |
| May | 185 | 10.6% |
| June | 130 | 7.5% |
| July | 95 | 5.5% |
| August | 93 | 5.3% |
| September | 126 | 7.2% |
| Octoberpeak | 190 | 10.9% |
| November | 122 | 7% |
| December | 92 | 5.3% |
Turkey Vultures you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Turkey Vulture | 1,739 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Tennessee
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when turkey vultures are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for turkey vultures sit around 42 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 49°F | 33°F | 6" |
| Feb | 54°F | 36°F | 7.3" |
| Marbest time | 62°F | 42°F | 7.5" |
| Aprbest time | 68°F | 48°F | 4.7" |
| May | 77°F | 58°F | 5.3" |
| Jun | 84°F | 65°F | 6.2" |
| Jul | 87°F | 70°F | 7.4" |
| Aug | 86°F | 69°F | 8.3" |
| Sep | 82°F | 64°F | 3.2" |
| Octbest time | 72°F | 53°F | 4.8" |
| Nov | 59°F | 41°F | 2.9" |
| Dec | 54°F | 38°F | 5.9" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Tennessee. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of turkey vultures in Tennessee peak in April, when 238 of the year's 1,739 verified observations are logged — about 13.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, March and October.
The quietest stretch is January, December and August, when turkey vultures are hardest to find — January sees just 82 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The turkey vultures you are most likely to encounter in Tennessee are Turkey Vulture — 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 turkey vultures in Tennessee
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area — National River & Recreation Area
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park — National Park
- Natchez Trace Parkway — Parkway
- Obed Wild & Scenic River — Wild & Scenic River
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see turkey vultures in Tennessee?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, March and October, based on 1,739 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are turkey vultures hardest to see in Tennessee?+
January is the quietest month for turkey vultures in Tennessee, with only 82 verified records.
Are turkey vultures active year-round in Tennessee?+
Turkey vultures are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Tennessee, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More wildlife in Tennessee