Octopus in Alaska in May
Yes, May is one of the best months to see octopus in Alaska. It is the 2nd busiest month of the year, with 38 of the 241 sightings logged across the year (15.8%), 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.
Peak month for octopus in Alaska
15.8%
of yearly sightings
38
records in May
#2
busiest month of 12
241
verified records a year
April 13.7%, May 15.8%, June 16.6%. Busiest month is June at 16.6%.
241 verified observations of octopus in Alaska, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When octopus are recorded in Alaska
Peak month
June
40 records (16.6% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4 | 1.7% |
| February | 5 | 2.1% |
| March | 5 | 2.1% |
| April | 33 | 13.7% |
| Maypeak | 38 | 15.8% |
| Junepeak | 40 | 16.6% |
| July | 22 | 9.1% |
| Augustpeak | 35 | 14.5% |
| September | 25 | 10.4% |
| October | 14 | 5.8% |
| November | 15 | 6.2% |
| December | 5 | 2.1% |
Octopus you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Giant Pacific Octopus | 231 |
| East Pacific Red Octopus | 2 |
In Alaska, May carries 15.8% of the year's octopus sightings, about 7.5 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 2nd busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is rising from April (13.7%) into May, and it heads toward June (16.6%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so May is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.
The octopus most often recorded in Alaska are Giant Pacific Octopus and East Pacific Red Octopus. 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 octopus you are most likely to see
- Giant Pacific Octopus231 records
- East Pacific Red Octopus2 records
Plan your octopus 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 octopus viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Alagnak Wild River
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best octopus viewing area in Alaska.
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Broader backupBook a octopus 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 octopus in Alaska in May?+
Yes. May accounts for 38 of the 241 verified octopus sightings logged in Alaska across the year, which is 15.8% of the annual total.
Is May a good time to see octopus in Alaska?+
May is one of the best months. It ranks 2nd of the year and sits inside the peak window of June, May and August.
What month is best for octopus in Alaska?+
June is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through June, May and August, based on 241 verified observations.
Which octopus are you most likely to see in Alaska?+
The most-recorded species in Alaska are Giant Pacific Octopus and East Pacific Red Octopus, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See octopus in Alaska in other months
More wildlife in Alaska