Dolphins in Alaska in May
Yes, May is a good month to see dolphins in Alaska. It is the 4th busiest month of the year, with 166 of the 1,134 sightings logged across the year (14.6%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Good month for dolphins in Alaska
14.6%
of yearly sightings
166
records in May
#4
busiest month of 12
1,134
verified records a year
April 2.2%, May 14.6%, June 30.2%. Busiest month is June at 30.2%.
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 |
In Alaska, May carries 14.6% of the year's dolphins sightings, about 6.3 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 4th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is rising from April (2.2%) into May, and it heads toward June (30.2%) after. The busiest month is June (30.2%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The dolphins most often recorded in Alaska are Orca, Pacific White-sided Dolphin and Risso's Dolphin. Those counts are annual totals rather than a May split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in May itself.
Which dolphins you are most likely to see
- Orca1,114 records
- Pacific White-sided Dolphin13 records
- Risso's Dolphin5 records
- Striped Dolphin1 records
Plan your dolphin trip in Alaska
Start with live tours near Alagnak Wild River, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Alagnak Wild River
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main dolphin viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Alagnak Wild River
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best dolphin viewing area in Alaska.
Viator
Broader backupBook a dolphin tour in Alaska
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see dolphins in Alaska in May?+
Yes. May accounts for 166 of the 1,134 verified dolphins sightings logged in Alaska across the year, which is 14.6% of the annual total.
Is May a good time to see dolphins in Alaska?+
May is the 4th busiest month. It is workable, though June and July is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for dolphins in Alaska?+
June is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through June, July and August, based on 1,134 verified observations.
Which dolphins are you most likely to see in Alaska?+
The most-recorded species in Alaska are Orca, Pacific White-sided Dolphin and Risso's Dolphin, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See dolphins in Alaska in other months
More places to see dolphins
More wildlife in Alaska