Jellyfishes in Maryland in August

Yes, August is one of the best months to see jellyfishes in Maryland. It is the 1st busiest month of the year, with 291 of the 1,444 sightings logged across the year (20.2%), based on verified iNaturalist records.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.

Bay Nettle photographed in MarylandBay Nettle photographed in MarylandBay Nettle photographed in Maryland
Photos by iNaturalist observers, used under Creative Commons.

Peak month for jellyfishes in Maryland

20.2%

of yearly sightings

291

records in August

#1

busiest month of 12

1,444

verified records a year

July 17.2%, August 20.2%, September 15.3%. Busiest month is August at 20.2%.

Best months: August, July, SeptemberPeak season right now

1,444 verified observations of jellyfishes in Maryland, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When jellyfishes are recorded in Maryland

Peak month

August

291 records (20.2% of the year)

Quietest month

December

16 records

MonthObservationsShare
January271.9%
February352.4%
March1158%
April1027.1%
May563.9%
June956.6%
Julypeak24817.2%
Augustpeak29120.2%
Septemberpeak22115.3%
October16011.1%
November785.4%
December161.1%

Jellyfishes you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Bay Nettle858
Atlantic Lion's Mane Jelly185
Dwarf Lion's Mane Jelly53
Common Moon Jelly32
Southern Moon Jelly30
Mushroom Jelly28
Atlantic Sea Nettle12
Cannonball Jelly5

In Maryland, August carries 20.2% of the year's jellyfishes sightings, about 11.9 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 1st busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.

Activity is rising from July (17.2%) into August, and it heads toward September (15.3%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so August is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.

The jellyfishes most often recorded in Maryland are Bay Nettle, Atlantic Lion's Mane Jelly and Dwarf Lion's Mane Jelly. Those counts are annual totals rather than a August split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in August itself.

Which jellyfishes you are most likely to see

  • Bay Nettle858 records
  • Atlantic Lion's Mane Jelly185 records
  • Dwarf Lion's Mane Jelly53 records
  • Common Moon Jelly32 records
  • Southern Moon Jelly30 records
  • Mushroom Jelly28 records
Plan your tripAntietam National Battlefield

Plan your jellyfish 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.

Frequently asked questions

Can you see jellyfishes in Maryland in August?+

Yes. August accounts for 291 of the 1,444 verified jellyfishes sightings logged in Maryland across the year, which is 20.2% of the annual total.

Is August a good time to see jellyfishes in Maryland?+

August is one of the best months. It ranks 1st of the year and sits inside the peak window of August, July and September.

What month is best for jellyfishes in Maryland?+

August is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through August, July and September, based on 1,444 verified observations.

Which jellyfishes are you most likely to see in Maryland?+

The most-recorded species in Maryland are Bay Nettle, Atlantic Lion's Mane Jelly and Dwarf Lion's Mane Jelly, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.