Best Time to See Jellyfishes in Texas
October, November and June is the best time to see jellyfishes in Texas. Based on 4,161 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when jellyfishes are most active across the year in Texas.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
Southern Moon Jelly · Jana Winberg CC BY
Cannonball Jelly · CK2AZ CC BY
Cannonball Jelly · CK2AZ CC BY
4,161 verified observations of jellyfishes in Texas, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When jellyfishes are recorded in Texas
Peak month
October
550 records (13.2% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 289 | 6.9% |
| February | 163 | 3.9% |
| March | 231 | 5.6% |
| April | 279 | 6.7% |
| May | 291 | 7% |
| Junepeak | 462 | 11.1% |
| July | 319 | 7.7% |
| August | 196 | 4.7% |
| September | 410 | 9.9% |
| Octoberpeak | 550 | 13.2% |
| Novemberpeak | 523 | 12.6% |
| December | 448 | 10.8% |
Jellyfishes you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Cannonball Jelly | 1,267 |
| Bay Nettle | 821 |
| Southern Moon Jelly | 747 |
| Atlantic Sea Nettle | 113 |
| Mushroom Jelly | 48 |
| Australian Spotted Jelly | 31 |
| Pink Meanie | 20 |
| Common Moon Jelly | 18 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Texas
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when jellyfishes are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for jellyfishes sit around 48 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 60°F | 39°F | 0.9" |
| Feb | 60°F | 38°F | 1" |
| Mar | 71°F | 49°F | 1.7" |
| Apr | 78°F | 56°F | 1.6" |
| May | 85°F | 64°F | 5.1" |
| Junbest time | 93°F | 72°F | 1.7" |
| Jul | 96°F | 75°F | 0.9" |
| Aug | 96°F | 75°F | 1.2" |
| Sep | 89°F | 69°F | 1.7" |
| Octbest time | 80°F | 58°F | 2" |
| Novbest time | 67°F | 48°F | 1.1" |
| Dec | 64°F | 44°F | 1.2" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Texas. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of jellyfishes in Texas peak in October, when 550 of the year's 4,161 verified observations are logged — about 13.2% of the annual total. Activity stays high through October, November and June.
The quietest stretch is February, August and March, when jellyfishes are hardest to find — February sees just 163 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The jellyfishes you are most likely to encounter in Texas are Cannonball Jelly, Bay Nettle and Southern Moon Jelly — 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 jellyfishes in Texas
- Amistad National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Big Bend National Park — National Park
- Big Thicket National Preserve — National Preserve
- Chamizal National Memorial — National Memorial
- Fort Davis National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park — National Park
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see jellyfishes in Texas?+
October is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through October, November and June, based on 4,161 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are jellyfishes hardest to see in Texas?+
February is the quietest month for jellyfishes in Texas, with only 163 verified records.
Are jellyfishes active year-round in Texas?+
Jellyfishes are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Texas, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in October.
More places to see jellyfishes
More wildlife in Texas