Best Time to See Orcas in Alaska
June, July and August is the best time to see orcas in Alaska. Based on 1,117 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when orcas 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.
1,117 verified observations of orcas in Alaska, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When orcas are recorded in Alaska
Peak month
June
339 records (30.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5 | 0.4% |
| February | 2 | 0.2% |
| March | 7 | 0.6% |
| April | 25 | 2.2% |
| May | 163 | 14.6% |
| Junepeak | 339 | 30.3% |
| Julypeak | 261 | 23.4% |
| Augustpeak | 212 | 19% |
| September | 78 | 7% |
| October | 11 | 1% |
| November | 10 | 0.9% |
| December | 4 | 0.4% |
Orcas you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Orca | 1,117 |
Sightings of orcas in Alaska peak in June, when 339 of the year's 1,117 verified observations are logged — about 30.3% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, July and August.
The quietest stretch is February, when orcas 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 orcas you are most likely to encounter in Alaska are Orca — 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 orcas 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
Tours and experiences nearby
Viator
Book a orca tour in Alaska
Guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences, with free cancellation on most.
Booking.com
Stay near Alagnak Wild River
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best orca viewing in Alaska.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see orcas in Alaska?+
June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, July and August, based on 1,117 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are orcas hardest to see in Alaska?+
February is the quietest month for orcas in Alaska, with only 2 verified records.
Are orcas active year-round in Alaska?+
Orcas are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Alaska, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in June.
More wildlife in Alaska