Best Time to See Sea Turtles in Washington
February and December is the best time to see sea turtles in Washington. Based on 2 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when sea turtles are most active across the year in Washington.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
2 verified observations of sea turtles in Washington, recorded across 2 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When sea turtles are recorded in Washington
Peak month
February
1 records (50% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| Februarypeak | 1 | 50% |
| March | 0 | 0% |
| April | 0 | 0% |
| May | 0 | 0% |
| June | 0 | 0% |
| July | 0 | 0% |
| August | 0 | 0% |
| September | 0 | 0% |
| October | 0 | 0% |
| November | 0 | 0% |
| Decemberpeak | 1 | 50% |
Sea Turtles you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Loggerhead Sea Turtle | 1 |
| Olive Ridley Sea Turtle | 1 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Washington
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when sea turtles are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for sea turtles sit around 22 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 35°F | 24°F | 4.5" |
| Febbest time | 36°F | 22°F | 2.8" |
| Mar | 46°F | 28°F | 1.2" |
| Apr | 56°F | 33°F | 1.3" |
| May | 67°F | 44°F | 1.2" |
| Jun | 76°F | 51°F | 0.9" |
| Jul | 86°F | 57°F | 0.2" |
| Aug | 86°F | 58°F | 0.3" |
| Sep | 74°F | 50°F | 1.1" |
| Oct | 59°F | 39°F | 1.7" |
| Nov | 42°F | 29°F | 3.6" |
| Decbest time | 33°F | 23°F | 3.6" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Washington. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of sea turtles in Washington peak in February, when 1 of the year's 2 verified observations are logged — about 50% of the annual total. Activity stays high through February and December.
The quietest stretch is January, March and April, when sea turtles are hardest to find — no verified records exist for January. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The sea turtles you are most likely to encounter in Washington are Loggerhead Sea Turtle and Olive Ridley 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 sea turtles in Washington
- Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve — National Historical Reserve
- Fort Vancouver National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Lewis and Clark National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Mount Rainier National Park — National Park
- Nez Perce National Historical Park — National Historical Park
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see sea turtles in Washington?+
February is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through February and December, based on 2 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are sea turtles hardest to see in Washington?+
January is the quietest month for sea turtles in Washington, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are sea turtles active year-round in Washington?+
Sea turtles are recorded in 2 of 12 months in Washington, concentrated around February and December.
More places to see sea turtles
More wildlife in Washington