Best Time to See Dolphins in Maryland
July, June and August is the best time to see dolphins in Maryland. Based on 183 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when dolphins are most active across the year in Maryland.
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 · Tom Field CC BY
Tamanend's Bottlenose Dolphin · Gijs Romijn CC BY
Tamanend's Bottlenose Dolphin · Wendy McCrady CC BY
183 verified observations of dolphins in Maryland, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When dolphins are recorded in Maryland
Peak month
July
40 records (21.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2 | 1.1% |
| February | 7 | 3.8% |
| March | 7 | 3.8% |
| April | 9 | 4.9% |
| May | 13 | 7.1% |
| Junepeak | 28 | 15.3% |
| Julypeak | 40 | 21.9% |
| Augustpeak | 23 | 12.6% |
| September | 14 | 7.7% |
| October | 15 | 8.2% |
| November | 23 | 12.6% |
| December | 2 | 1.1% |
Dolphins you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Tamanend's Bottlenose Dolphin | 135 |
| Common Dolphin | 6 |
| Common Bottlenose Dolphin | 1 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Maryland
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 64 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 44°F | 30°F | 3.3" |
| Feb | 48°F | 31°F | 3.9" |
| Mar | 56°F | 37°F | 3.9" |
| Apr | 66°F | 45°F | 4.7" |
| May | 73°F | 54°F | 4.7" |
| Junbest time | 83°F | 64°F | 5.4" |
| Julbest time | 89°F | 70°F | 7.3" |
| Augbest time | 85°F | 69°F | 7.6" |
| Sep | 79°F | 62°F | 4.9" |
| Oct | 69°F | 52°F | 4.9" |
| Nov | 56°F | 40°F | 3.2" |
| Dec | 49°F | 34°F | 4.8" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Maryland. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of dolphins in Maryland peak in July, when 40 of the year's 183 verified observations are logged — about 21.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, June and August.
The quietest stretch is January and December, when dolphins are hardest to find — January sees just 2 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 Maryland are Tamanend's Bottlenose Dolphin, Common Dolphin and Common Bottlenose 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 Maryland
- Antietam National Battlefield — National Battlefield
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Assateague Island National Seashore — National Seashore
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Chesapeake Bay
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see dolphins in Maryland?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, June and August, based on 183 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are dolphins hardest to see in Maryland?+
January is the quietest month for dolphins in Maryland, with only 2 verified records.
Are dolphins active year-round in Maryland?+
Dolphins are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Maryland, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in July.
More places to see dolphins
More wildlife in Maryland