Best Time to See Dolphins in Maine
August, July and May is the best time to see dolphins in Maine. Based on 31 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when dolphins are most active across the year in Maine.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
Atlantic White-sided Dolphin · Doug Suitor CC BY
Atlantic White-sided Dolphin · Mike Ostrowski CC BY-SA
31 verified observations of dolphins in Maine, recorded across 5 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When dolphins are recorded in Maine
Peak month
August
19 records (61.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 0 | 0% |
| April | 0 | 0% |
| Maypeak | 2 | 6.5% |
| June | 0 | 0% |
| Julypeak | 6 | 19.4% |
| Augustpeak | 19 | 61.3% |
| September | 2 | 6.5% |
| October | 2 | 6.5% |
| November | 0 | 0% |
| December | 0 | 0% |
Dolphins you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Atlantic White-sided Dolphin | 26 |
| Common Dolphin | 2 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Maine
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 43 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28°F | 11°F | 4" |
| Feb | 28°F | 11°F | 3.1" |
| Mar | 39°F | 20°F | 2.7" |
| Apr | 51°F | 32°F | 4.8" |
| Maybest time | 64°F | 43°F | 3.2" |
| Jun | 74°F | 54°F | 3.7" |
| Julbest time | 80°F | 62°F | 4.9" |
| Augbest time | 77°F | 60°F | 4.7" |
| Sep | 69°F | 53°F | 4.4" |
| Oct | 58°F | 43°F | 5.3" |
| Nov | 43°F | 29°F | 3.8" |
| Dec | 34°F | 20°F | 5" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Maine. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of dolphins in Maine peak in August, when 19 of the year's 31 verified observations are logged — about 61.3% of the annual total. Activity stays high through August, July and May.
The quietest stretch is January, February and March, when dolphins are hardest to find — no verified records exist for January. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The dolphins you are most likely to encounter in Maine are Atlantic White-sided Dolphin and Common Dolphin — 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 Maine
- Acadia National Park — National Park
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument — National Monument
- Saint Croix Island International Historic Site — International Historic Site
- Frances Perkins National Monument — National Monument
- Maine Acadian Culture
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see dolphins in Maine?+
August is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through August, July and May, based on 31 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are dolphins hardest to see in Maine?+
January is the quietest month for dolphins in Maine, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are dolphins active year-round in Maine?+
Dolphins are recorded in 5 of 12 months in Maine, concentrated around August and July.
More places to see dolphins
More wildlife in Maine