Best Time to See Dolphins in Alabama
September, June and August is the best time to see dolphins in Alabama. Based on 376 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when dolphins are most active across the year in Alabama.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 30, 2026.
Common Bottlenose Dolphin · Lauren McLaurin CC BY
Common Bottlenose Dolphin · Terry Woodward CC BY
Common Bottlenose Dolphin · Peyton Phelps CC BY
376 verified observations of dolphins in Alabama, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When dolphins are recorded in Alabama
Peak month
September
53 records (14.1% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 16 | 4.3% |
| February | 23 | 6.1% |
| March | 41 | 10.9% |
| April | 29 | 7.7% |
| May | 20 | 5.3% |
| Junepeak | 46 | 12.2% |
| July | 31 | 8.2% |
| Augustpeak | 42 | 11.2% |
| Septemberpeak | 53 | 14.1% |
| October | 25 | 6.6% |
| November | 28 | 7.4% |
| December | 22 | 5.9% |
Dolphins you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Common Bottlenose Dolphin | 365 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Alabama
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when dolphins are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for dolphins sit around 68 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 57°F | 40°F | 5.4" |
| Feb | 63°F | 45°F | 6.3" |
| Mar | 69°F | 50°F | 6" |
| Apr | 75°F | 54°F | 4.9" |
| May | 83°F | 62°F | 3.8" |
| Junbest time | 88°F | 70°F | 5.8" |
| Jul | 91°F | 73°F | 4.5" |
| Augbest time | 91°F | 73°F | 4.4" |
| Sepbest time | 87°F | 68°F | 3.1" |
| Oct | 76°F | 58°F | 3.9" |
| Nov | 65°F | 47°F | 3.2" |
| Dec | 60°F | 44°F | 4.8" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Alabama. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of dolphins in Alabama peak in September, when 53 of the year's 376 verified observations are logged — about 14.1% of the annual total. Activity stays high through September, June and August.
The quietest stretch is January, May and December, when dolphins are hardest to find — January sees just 16 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The dolphins you are most likely to encounter in Alabama are Common Bottlenose Dolphin — 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 dolphins in Alabama
- Horseshoe Bend National Military Park — National Military Park
- Little River Canyon National Preserve — National Preserve
- Natchez Trace Parkway — Parkway
- Russell Cave National Monument — National Monument
- Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument — National Monument
- Freedom Riders National Monument — National Monument
Go see them · Alabama
Alabama Gulf Coast Dolphin Cruise
This Gulf Coast Dolphin Cruise is for individuals, families, small groups, large groups and of course the dolphin lover. Enjoy a 1 1/2-2 hour cruise...
Staying over? Compare places to stay near Horseshoe Bend National Military Park
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see dolphins in Alabama?+
September is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through September, June and August, based on 376 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are dolphins hardest to see in Alabama?+
January is the quietest month for dolphins in Alabama, with only 16 verified records.
Are dolphins active year-round in Alabama?+
Dolphins are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Alabama, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in September.
More places to see dolphins
More wildlife in Alabama