Best Time to See Turkey Vultures in West Virginia
April, May and March is the best time to see turkey vultures in West Virginia. Based on 847 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when turkey vultures are most active across the year in West Virginia.
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 · Matthew Gerke CC BY
Turkey Vulture · Matthew Gerke CC BY
Turkey Vulture · Ryan Watson CC BY
847 verified observations of turkey vultures in West Virginia, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When turkey vultures are recorded in West Virginia
Peak month
April
124 records (14.6% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 29 | 3.4% |
| February | 47 | 5.5% |
| Marchpeak | 113 | 13.3% |
| Aprilpeak | 124 | 14.6% |
| Maypeak | 114 | 13.5% |
| June | 86 | 10.2% |
| July | 61 | 7.2% |
| August | 70 | 8.3% |
| September | 87 | 10.3% |
| October | 66 | 7.8% |
| November | 30 | 3.5% |
| December | 20 | 2.4% |
Turkey Vultures you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Turkey Vulture | 847 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in West Virginia
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 34 to 69 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 41°F | 26°F | 4.8" |
| Feb | 46°F | 28°F | 5.5" |
| Marbest time | 54°F | 34°F | 4.5" |
| Aprbest time | 61°F | 41°F | 4.4" |
| Maybest time | 69°F | 51°F | 6.5" |
| Jun | 76°F | 59°F | 5.3" |
| Jul | 81°F | 65°F | 5.1" |
| Aug | 78°F | 63°F | 4.9" |
| Sep | 74°F | 57°F | 3.5" |
| Oct | 64°F | 48°F | 4.1" |
| Nov | 52°F | 35°F | 2.9" |
| Dec | 46°F | 31°F | 4.9" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for West Virginia. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of turkey vultures in West Virginia peak in April, when 124 of the year's 847 verified observations are logged — about 14.6% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, May and March.
The quietest stretch is December, January and November, when turkey vultures are hardest to find — December sees just 20 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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Bluestone National Scenic River — National Scenic River
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Chesapeake Bay
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- New River Gorge National Park & Preserve — National Park & Preserve
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see turkey vultures in West Virginia?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, May and March, based on 847 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are turkey vultures hardest to see in West Virginia?+
December is the quietest month for turkey vultures in West Virginia, with only 20 verified records.
Are turkey vultures active year-round in West Virginia?+
Turkey vultures are recorded in 12 of 12 months in West Virginia, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More wildlife in West Virginia