Best Time to See Turkey Vultures in Texas
April, March and May is the best time to see turkey vultures in Texas. Based on 24,833 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when turkey vultures 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 20, 2026.
Turkey Vulture · Lauren McLaurin CC BY
Turkey Vulture · Kimberlie Sasan CC BY-ND
Turkey Vulture · CK2AZ CC BY
24,833 verified observations of turkey vultures in Texas, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When turkey vultures are recorded in Texas
Peak month
April
4,015 records (16.2% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2,004 | 8.1% |
| February | 1,898 | 7.6% |
| Marchpeak | 2,964 | 11.9% |
| Aprilpeak | 4,015 | 16.2% |
| Maypeak | 2,609 | 10.5% |
| June | 1,483 | 6% |
| July | 1,176 | 4.7% |
| August | 1,182 | 4.8% |
| September | 1,792 | 7.2% |
| October | 2,234 | 9% |
| November | 1,664 | 6.7% |
| December | 1,812 | 7.3% |
Turkey Vultures you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Turkey Vulture | 24,833 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Texas
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 49 to 85 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" |
| Marbest time | 71°F | 49°F | 1.7" |
| Aprbest time | 78°F | 56°F | 1.6" |
| Maybest time | 85°F | 64°F | 5.1" |
| Jun | 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" |
| 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 turkey vultures in Texas peak in April, when 4,015 of the year's 24,833 verified observations are logged — about 16.2% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, March and May.
The quietest stretch is July, August and June, when turkey vultures are hardest to find — July sees just 1,176 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 Texas 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 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 turkey vultures in Texas?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, March and May, based on 24,833 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are turkey vultures hardest to see in Texas?+
July is the quietest month for turkey vultures in Texas, with only 1,176 verified records.
Are turkey vultures active year-round in Texas?+
Turkey vultures are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Texas, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More wildlife in Texas