Best Time to See Dolphins in Louisiana
April, May and October is the best time to see dolphins in Louisiana. Based on 255 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when dolphins are most active across the year in Louisiana.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Common Bottlenose Dolphin · Brandon Johnson CC BY
Common Bottlenose Dolphin · Jody Shugart CC BY
Common Bottlenose Dolphin · eamonccorbett CC BY
255 verified observations of dolphins in Louisiana, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When dolphins are recorded in Louisiana
Peak month
April
58 records (22.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 15 | 5.9% |
| February | 6 | 2.4% |
| March | 23 | 9% |
| Aprilpeak | 58 | 22.7% |
| Maypeak | 38 | 14.9% |
| June | 20 | 7.8% |
| July | 12 | 4.7% |
| August | 10 | 3.9% |
| September | 11 | 4.3% |
| Octoberpeak | 31 | 12.2% |
| November | 21 | 8.2% |
| December | 10 | 3.9% |
Dolphins you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Common Bottlenose Dolphin | 247 |
| Melon-headed Whale | 1 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Louisiana
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when dolphins are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for dolphins sit around 58 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 61°F | 44°F | 5.6" |
| Feb | 64°F | 46°F | 5.3" |
| Mar | 72°F | 54°F | 5.8" |
| Aprbest time | 76°F | 58°F | 7.8" |
| Maybest time | 85°F | 67°F | 6" |
| Jun | 90°F | 73°F | 4.9" |
| Jul | 91°F | 75°F | 8.2" |
| Aug | 93°F | 76°F | 4.7" |
| Sep | 90°F | 71°F | 4.1" |
| Octbest time | 80°F | 62°F | 3.7" |
| Nov | 69°F | 50°F | 3.8" |
| Dec | 65°F | 48°F | 4.9" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Louisiana. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of dolphins in Louisiana peak in April, when 58 of the year's 255 verified observations are logged — about 22.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, May and October.
The quietest stretch is February, when dolphins are hardest to find — February sees just 6 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The dolphins you are most likely to encounter in Louisiana are Common Bottlenose Dolphin and Melon-headed 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 dolphins in Louisiana
- Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve — National Historical Park and Preserve
- Cane River Creole National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Poverty Point National Monument — National Monument
- Vicksburg National Military Park — National Military Park
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see dolphins in Louisiana?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, May and October, based on 255 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are dolphins hardest to see in Louisiana?+
February is the quietest month for dolphins in Louisiana, with only 6 verified records.
Are dolphins active year-round in Louisiana?+
Dolphins are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Louisiana, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More places to see dolphins
More wildlife in Louisiana