Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge

Park Wetland refuge protecting migratory birds along Wallkill River

Wetland refuge along the Wallkill River in New Jersey, prized for migratory birds, marsh habitat, walking trails and seasonal kayaking and wildlife observation.

Main image
Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge
Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge, 1030 Route 17M, Sussex, NJ / near areas in NY/NJ (check local office)
41.2308, -74.5619
Refuge grounds open sunrise-sunset; visitor center hours vary seasonally
Free (managed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

How to Get to Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge #

The refuge is accessible by car from Route 17M in Sussex County, NJ; specific trailheads and parking areas are listed on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service site. Public transit options are limited.

Tips for Visiting Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge #

  • Bring binoculars in spring and fall for peak songbird and waterfowl migration viewing.
  • Park in designated lots near the visitor contact station and follow boardwalks to protect sensitive wetland habitats.
  • The refuge's trails can be muddy after rain-waterproof footwear recommended.

Best Time to Visit Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge #

Spring and fall migrations are the most rewarding times for birdwatching; winters can be quiet and muddy.

Spring migration
April-May · 5-20°C
Peak bird migration; warblers, shorebirds, and other migrants pass through in numbers.
Fall migration
September-November · 5-18°C
Waterfowl and raptors stage and move through the refuge.

Weather & Climate near Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge #

Climate

Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1186 mm/year), wettest in May, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
29°
Warmest Month
-9°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -9°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-9°

Weather

88 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-8°

Weather

74 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
15°

Weather

104 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (113 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
22°

Weather

113 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
13° 26°

Weather

107 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
16° 29°

Weather

111 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
15° 28°

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 24°

Weather

109 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

91 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Freezing
C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

90 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

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