Best Time to See Sharks in Texas
June, July and May is the best time to see sharks in Texas. Based on 1,765 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when sharks 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 June 28, 2026.
Atlantic Stingray · Michelle W. （鍾偉瑋） CC BY
Cownose Ray · Public domain CC0
Caribbean Electric Ray · yongestation CC BY
1,765 verified observations of sharks in Texas, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When sharks are recorded in Texas
Peak month
June
277 records (15.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 66 | 3.7% |
| February | 86 | 4.9% |
| March | 147 | 8.3% |
| April | 187 | 10.6% |
| Maypeak | 212 | 12% |
| Junepeak | 277 | 15.7% |
| Julypeak | 221 | 12.5% |
| August | 127 | 7.2% |
| September | 119 | 6.7% |
| October | 149 | 8.4% |
| November | 100 | 5.7% |
| December | 74 | 4.2% |
Sharks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Atlantic Stingray | 374 |
| Common Blacktip Shark | 221 |
| Bonnethead | 191 |
| Atlantic Sharpnose Shark | 89 |
| Cownose Ray | 79 |
| Bluntnose Stingray | 73 |
| Lessa's Butterfly Ray | 61 |
| Bull Shark | 60 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Texas
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when sharks are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for sharks sit around 64 to 96 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" |
| Maybest time | 85°F | 64°F | 5.1" |
| Junbest time | 93°F | 72°F | 1.7" |
| Julbest time | 96°F | 75°F | 0.9" |
| Aug | 96°F | 75°F | 1.2" |
| Sep | 89°F | 69°F | 1.7" |
| Oct | 80°F | 58°F | 2" |
| Nov | 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 sharks in Texas peak in June, when 277 of the year's 1,765 verified observations are logged — about 15.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, July and May.
The quietest stretch is January, December and February, when sharks are hardest to find — January sees just 66 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The sharks you are most likely to encounter in Texas are Atlantic Stingray, Common Blacktip Shark and Bonnethead — 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 sharks 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 sharks in Texas?+
June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, July and May, based on 1,765 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are sharks hardest to see in Texas?+
January is the quietest month for sharks in Texas, with only 66 verified records.
Are sharks active year-round in Texas?+
Sharks are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Texas, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in June.
More places to see sharks
More wildlife in Texas