Best Time to See Dolphins in Alaska
June, July and August is the best time to see dolphins in Alaska. Based on 1,134 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when dolphins are most active across the year in Alaska.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
1,134 verified observations of dolphins in Alaska, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When dolphins are recorded in Alaska
Peak month
June
343 records (30.2% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5 | 0.4% |
| February | 2 | 0.2% |
| March | 8 | 0.7% |
| April | 25 | 2.2% |
| May | 166 | 14.6% |
| Junepeak | 343 | 30.2% |
| Julypeak | 266 | 23.5% |
| Augustpeak | 214 | 18.9% |
| September | 78 | 6.9% |
| October | 13 | 1.1% |
| November | 10 | 0.9% |
| December | 4 | 0.4% |
Dolphins you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Orca | 1,114 |
| Pacific White-sided Dolphin | 13 |
| Risso's Dolphin | 5 |
| Striped Dolphin | 1 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Alaska
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 50 to 69 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 20°F | 11°F | 1.8" |
| Feb | 24°F | 14°F | 2.4" |
| Mar | 33°F | 19°F | 1.7" |
| Apr | 44°F | 27°F | 1.3" |
| May | 58°F | 41°F | 1.8" |
| Junbest time | 67°F | 50°F | 1.2" |
| Julbest time | 69°F | 54°F | 3.5" |
| Augbest time | 66°F | 52°F | 4.5" |
| Sep | 55°F | 43°F | 5.2" |
| Oct | 42°F | 32°F | 3.7" |
| Nov | 27°F | 18°F | 3.6" |
| Dec | 22°F | 12°F | 3.1" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Alaska. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of dolphins in Alaska peak in June, when 343 of the year's 1,134 verified observations are logged — about 30.2% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, July and August.
The quietest stretch is February, when dolphins are hardest to find — February sees just 2 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 Alaska are Orca, Pacific White-sided Dolphin and Risso's 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 Alaska
- Alagnak Wild River — Wild River
- Aleutian Islands World War II National Historic Area — National Historic Area
- Aniakchak National Monument & Preserve — National Monument & Preserve
- Bering Land Bridge National Preserve — National Preserve
- Cape Krusenstern National Monument — National Monument
- Denali National Park & Preserve — National Park & Preserve
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see dolphins in Alaska?+
June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, July and August, based on 1,134 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are dolphins hardest to see in Alaska?+
February is the quietest month for dolphins in Alaska, with only 2 verified records.
Are dolphins active year-round in Alaska?+
Dolphins are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Alaska, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in June.
More places to see dolphins
More wildlife in Alaska