Best Time to See Whales in Alabama
September, June and March is the best time to see whales in Alabama. Based on 387 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when whales 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 28, 2026.
Common Bottlenose Dolphin · Lauren McLaurin CC BY
Common Bottlenose Dolphin · Tom Kennedy CC BY
Common Bottlenose Dolphin · Peyton Phelps CC BY
387 verified observations of whales in Alabama, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When whales are recorded in Alabama
Peak month
September
53 records (13.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 16 | 4.1% |
| February | 23 | 5.9% |
| Marchpeak | 42 | 10.9% |
| April | 29 | 7.5% |
| May | 20 | 5.2% |
| Junepeak | 49 | 12.7% |
| July | 35 | 9% |
| August | 42 | 10.9% |
| Septemberpeak | 53 | 13.7% |
| October | 25 | 6.5% |
| November | 29 | 7.5% |
| December | 24 | 6.2% |
Whales you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Common Bottlenose Dolphin | 371 |
| Sperm Whale | 2 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Alabama
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when whales are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for whales sit around 50 to 88 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" |
| Marbest time | 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" |
| Aug | 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 whales in Alabama peak in September, when 53 of the year's 387 verified observations are logged — about 13.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through September, June and March.
The quietest stretch is January, May and February, when whales 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 whales you are most likely to encounter in Alabama are Common Bottlenose Dolphin and Sperm Whale — 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 whales 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
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see whales in Alabama?+
September is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through September, June and March, based on 387 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are whales hardest to see in Alabama?+
January is the quietest month for whales in Alabama, with only 16 verified records.
Are whales active year-round in Alabama?+
Whales 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 whales
More wildlife in Alabama