Best Time to See Loggerhead Sea Turtles in Virginia

June, July and May is the best time to see loggerhead sea turtles in Virginia. Based on 78 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when loggerhead sea turtles are most active across the year in Virginia.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 10, 2026.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle photographed in Virginia

Loggerhead Sea Turtle · kirk gardner CC BY

Loggerhead Sea Turtle photographed in Virginia

Loggerhead Sea Turtle · Kathy Richardson CC BY

Loggerhead Sea Turtle photographed in Virginia

Loggerhead Sea Turtle · Public domain CC0

Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Best months: June, July, May

78 verified observations of loggerhead sea turtles in Virginia, recorded across 11 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When loggerhead sea turtles are recorded in Virginia

Peak month

June

13 records (16.7% of the year)

Quietest month

February

No verified records

MonthObservationsShare
January33.8%
February00%
March11.3%
April11.3%
Maypeak1114.1%
Junepeak1316.7%
Julypeak1316.7%
August1012.8%
September79%
October810.3%
November67.7%
December56.4%

Loggerhead Sea Turtles you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Loggerhead Sea Turtle78

Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo

Typical weather in Virginia

Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when loggerhead sea turtles are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for loggerhead sea turtles sit around 56 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.

MonthAvg highAvg lowRain
Jan47°F30°F3.2"
Feb52°F33°F4"
Mar60°F39°F3"
Apr70°F46°F3.9"
Maybest time77°F56°F3.5"
Junbest time86°F64°F3.1"
Julbest time92°F70°F3.2"
Aug88°F68°F3.8"
Sep82°F62°F2.9"
Oct71°F52°F3.6"
Nov59°F39°F3.1"
Dec52°F34°F4"

Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Virginia. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.

More on loggerhead sea turtles in Virginia:

Sightings of loggerhead sea turtles in Virginia peak in June, when 13 of the year's 78 verified observations are logged — about 16.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, July and May.

The quietest stretch is February, March and April, when loggerhead sea turtles are hardest to find — no verified records exist for February. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.

The loggerhead sea turtles you are most likely to encounter in Virginia are Loggerhead Sea Turtle — 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 loggerhead sea turtles in Virginia

  • Appalachian National Scenic TrailNational Scenic Trail
  • Appomattox Court House National Historical ParkNational Historical Park
  • Assateague Island National SeashoreNational Seashore
  • Blue Ridge ParkwayParkway
  • Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic TrailNational Historic Trail
  • Chesapeake Bay

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to see loggerhead sea turtles in Virginia?+

June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, July and May, based on 78 verified iNaturalist observations.

When are loggerhead sea turtles hardest to see in Virginia?+

February is the quietest month for loggerhead sea turtles in Virginia, with no verified records on iNaturalist.

Are loggerhead sea turtles active year-round in Virginia?+

Loggerhead sea turtles are recorded in 11 of 12 months in Virginia, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in June.