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 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Maryland
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when humpback whales are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for humpback whales sit around 31 to 56 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 44°F | 30°F | 3.3" |
| Febbest time | 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" |
| Jun | 83°F | 64°F | 5.4" |
| Jul | 89°F | 70°F | 7.3" |
| Aug | 85°F | 69°F | 7.6" |
| Sep | 79°F | 62°F | 4.9" |
| Oct | 69°F | 52°F | 4.9" |
| Novbest time | 56°F | 40°F | 3.2" |
| Decbest time | 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.
More on humpback whales in Maryland:
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
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 places to see humpback whales
More wildlife in Maryland