Orcas in Alaska in August
Yes, August is one of the best months to see orcas in Alaska. It is the 3rd busiest month of the year, with 212 of the 1,117 sightings logged across the year (19%), 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 orcas in Alaska
19%
of yearly sightings
212
records in August
#3
busiest month of 12
1,117
verified records a year
July 23.4%, August 19%, September 7%. Busiest month is June at 30.3%.
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 |
In Alaska, August carries 19% of the year's orcas sightings, about 10.7 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 3rd busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is easing off from July (23.4%) into August, and it heads toward September (7%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so August is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.
The orcas most often recorded in Alaska are Orca. Those counts are annual totals rather than a August split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in August itself.
Which orcas you are most likely to see
- Orca1,117 records
Plan your orca 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 orca viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Alagnak Wild River
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best orca viewing area in Alaska.
Viator
Broader backupBook a orca 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 orcas in Alaska in August?+
Yes. August accounts for 212 of the 1,117 verified orcas sightings logged in Alaska across the year, which is 19% of the annual total.
Is August a good time to see orcas in Alaska?+
August is one of the best months. It ranks 3rd of the year and sits inside the peak window of June, July and August.
What month is best for orcas in Alaska?+
June is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through June, July and August, based on 1,117 verified observations.
Which orcas are you most likely to see in Alaska?+
The most-recorded species in Alaska are Orca, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See orcas in Alaska in other months
More wildlife in Alaska