Best Time to See Whales in Alaska
June, July and August is the best time to see whales in Alaska. Based on 5,242 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when whales 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.
5,242 verified observations of whales in Alaska, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When whales are recorded in Alaska
Peak month
June
1,359 records (25.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 35 | 0.7% |
| February | 28 | 0.5% |
| March | 115 | 2.2% |
| April | 219 | 4.2% |
| May | 677 | 12.9% |
| Junepeak | 1,359 | 25.9% |
| Julypeak | 1,272 | 24.3% |
| Augustpeak | 943 | 18% |
| September | 417 | 8% |
| October | 81 | 1.5% |
| November | 67 | 1.3% |
| December | 29 | 0.6% |
Whales you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Humpback Whale | 2,916 |
| Orca | 1,148 |
| Dall's Porpoise | 361 |
| Beluga | 267 |
| Grey Whale | 146 |
| Fin Whale | 140 |
| Harbour Porpoise | 120 |
| Bowhead Whale | 33 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Alaska
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when whales are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for whales sit around 50 to 69 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 20°F | 11°F | 1.8" |
| Feb | 24°F | 14°F | 2.4" |
| Mar | 33°F | 19°F | 1.7" |
| Apr | 44°F | 27°F | 1.3" |
| May | 58°F | 41°F | 1.8" |
| Junbest time | 67°F | 50°F | 1.2" |
| Julbest time | 69°F | 54°F | 3.5" |
| Augbest time | 66°F | 52°F | 4.5" |
| Sep | 55°F | 43°F | 5.2" |
| Oct | 42°F | 32°F | 3.7" |
| Nov | 27°F | 18°F | 3.6" |
| Dec | 22°F | 12°F | 3.1" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Alaska. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of whales in Alaska peak in June, when 1,359 of the year's 5,242 verified observations are logged — about 25.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, July and August.
The quietest stretch is February, December and January, when whales are hardest to find — February sees just 28 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The whales you are most likely to encounter in Alaska are Humpback Whale, Orca and Dall's Porpoise — 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 whales 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
Go see them · Alaska
Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching
Whale watching wildlife viewing at it's finest! Come aboard with us as we search the pristine waters of Juneau, Alaska for majestic Humpback Whales...
Staying over? Compare places to stay near Alagnak Wild River
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see whales in Alaska?+
June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, July and August, based on 5,242 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are whales hardest to see in Alaska?+
February is the quietest month for whales in Alaska, with only 28 verified records.
Are whales active year-round in Alaska?+
Whales are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Alaska, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in June.
More places to see whales
More wildlife in Alaska