Best Time to See Humpback Whales in Maryland
February, November and December is the best time to see humpback whales in Maryland. Based on 9 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when humpback whales 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 July 10, 2026.
9 verified observations of humpback whales in Maryland, recorded across 6 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When humpback whales are recorded in Maryland
Peak month
February
2 records (22.2% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1 | 11.1% |
| Februarypeak | 2 | 22.2% |
| March | 1 | 11.1% |
| April | 0 | 0% |
| May | 0 | 0% |
| June | 0 | 0% |
| July | 0 | 0% |
| August | 0 | 0% |
| September | 0 | 0% |
| October | 1 | 11.1% |
| Novemberpeak | 2 | 22.2% |
| Decemberpeak | 2 | 22.2% |
Humpback Whales you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Humpback Whale | 9 |
Sightings of humpback whales in Maryland peak in February, when 2 of the year's 9 verified observations are logged — about 22.2% of the annual total. Activity stays high through February, November and December.
The quietest stretch is April, May and June, when humpback whales are hardest to find — no verified records exist for April. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The humpback whales you are most likely to encounter in Maryland are Humpback 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 humpback whales 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
Plan your humpback whale trip in Maryland
Start with live tours near Antietam National Battlefield, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Antietam National Battlefield
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main humpback whale viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Antietam National Battlefield
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best humpback whale viewing area in Maryland.
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Broader backupBook a humpback whale tour in Maryland
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see humpback whales in Maryland?+
February is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through February, November and December, based on 9 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are humpback whales hardest to see in Maryland?+
April is the quietest month for humpback whales in Maryland, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are humpback whales active year-round in Maryland?+
Humpback whales are recorded in 6 of 12 months in Maryland, concentrated around February and November.
More wildlife in Maryland