Best Time to See Whales in Georgia
May, July and April is the best time to see whales in Georgia. Based on 319 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when whales are most active across the year in Georgia.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Tamanend's Bottlenose Dolphin · Dan Vickers CC BY
Bottlenose Dolphins · Public domain CC0
Tamanend's Bottlenose Dolphin · Public domain CC0
319 verified observations of whales in Georgia, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When whales are recorded in Georgia
Peak month
May
40 records (12.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 25 | 7.8% |
| February | 15 | 4.7% |
| March | 27 | 8.5% |
| Aprilpeak | 36 | 11.3% |
| Maypeak | 40 | 12.5% |
| June | 28 | 8.8% |
| Julypeak | 39 | 12.2% |
| August | 23 | 7.2% |
| September | 25 | 7.8% |
| October | 22 | 6.9% |
| November | 10 | 3.1% |
| December | 29 | 9.1% |
Whales you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Tamanend's Bottlenose Dolphin | 236 |
| Atlantic Spotted Dolphin | 2 |
| Pygmy Sperm Whale | 1 |
| Common Bottlenose Dolphin | 1 |
| Short-finned Pilot Whale | 1 |
| Risso's Dolphin | 1 |
| North Atlantic Right Whale | 1 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Georgia
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 54 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 59°F | 41°F | 5.4" |
| Feb | 64°F | 45°F | 3.9" |
| Mar | 71°F | 50°F | 4" |
| Aprbest time | 76°F | 54°F | 4" |
| Maybest time | 84°F | 62°F | 2.1" |
| Jun | 89°F | 69°F | 4.2" |
| Julbest time | 92°F | 73°F | 3.7" |
| Aug | 90°F | 73°F | 4.2" |
| Sep | 86°F | 67°F | 2.7" |
| Oct | 77°F | 58°F | 2.9" |
| Nov | 66°F | 47°F | 2.6" |
| Dec | 60°F | 43°F | 3.8" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Georgia. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of whales in Georgia peak in May, when 40 of the year's 319 verified observations are logged — about 12.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, July and April.
The quietest stretch is November and February, when whales are hardest to find — November sees just 10 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 Georgia are Tamanend's Bottlenose Dolphin, Atlantic Spotted Dolphin and Pygmy Sperm Whale — 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 Georgia
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Cumberland Island National Seashore — National Seashore
- Fort Pulaski National Monument — National Monument
- Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Andersonville National Historic Site — National Historic Site
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see whales in Georgia?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, July and April, based on 319 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are whales hardest to see in Georgia?+
November is the quietest month for whales in Georgia, with only 10 verified records.
Are whales active year-round in Georgia?+
Whales are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Georgia, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More places to see whales
More wildlife in Georgia