Best Time to See Puffins in Alaska
July, August and June is the best time to see puffins in Alaska. Based on 2,204 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when puffins 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.
2,204 verified observations of puffins in Alaska, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When puffins are recorded in Alaska
Peak month
July
692 records (31.4% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3 | 0.1% |
| February | 18 | 0.8% |
| March | 4 | 0.2% |
| April | 8 | 0.4% |
| May | 168 | 7.6% |
| Junepeak | 580 | 26.3% |
| Julypeak | 692 | 31.4% |
| Augustpeak | 640 | 29% |
| September | 85 | 3.9% |
| October | 4 | 0.2% |
| November | 1 | 0% |
| December | 1 | 0% |
Puffins you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Tufted Puffin | 1,139 |
| Horned Puffin | 1,064 |
Sightings of puffins in Alaska peak in July, when 692 of the year's 2,204 verified observations are logged — about 31.4% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, August and June.
The quietest stretch is November and December, when puffins are hardest to find — November sees just 1 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The puffins you are most likely to encounter in Alaska are Tufted Puffin and Horned Puffin — 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 puffins 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 puffin 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 puffin viewing in Alaska.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see puffins in Alaska?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, August and June, based on 2,204 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are puffins hardest to see in Alaska?+
November is the quietest month for puffins in Alaska, with only 1 verified records.
Are puffins active year-round in Alaska?+
Puffins are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Alaska, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in July.
More wildlife in Alaska