Jellyfishes in Maryland in October
Yes, October is a good month to see jellyfishes in Maryland. It is the 4th busiest month of the year, with 160 of the 1,444 sightings logged across the year (11.1%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
Good month for jellyfishes in Maryland
11.1%
of yearly sightings
160
records in October
#4
busiest month of 12
1,444
verified records a year
September 15.3%, October 11.1%, November 5.4%. Busiest month is August at 20.2%.
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)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 27 | 1.9% |
| February | 35 | 2.4% |
| March | 115 | 8% |
| April | 102 | 7.1% |
| May | 56 | 3.9% |
| June | 95 | 6.6% |
| Julypeak | 248 | 17.2% |
| Augustpeak | 291 | 20.2% |
| Septemberpeak | 221 | 15.3% |
| October | 160 | 11.1% |
| November | 78 | 5.4% |
| December | 16 | 1.1% |
Jellyfishes you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Bay Nettle | 858 |
| Atlantic Lion's Mane Jelly | 185 |
| Dwarf Lion's Mane Jelly | 53 |
| Common Moon Jelly | 32 |
| Southern Moon Jelly | 30 |
| Mushroom Jelly | 28 |
| Atlantic Sea Nettle | 12 |
| Cannonball Jelly | 5 |
In Maryland, October carries 11.1% of the year's jellyfishes sightings, about 2.8 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 4th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is easing off from September (15.3%) into October, and it heads toward November (5.4%) after. The busiest month is August (20.2%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
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 October split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in October 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 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.
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 jellyfish viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Antietam National Battlefield
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best jellyfish viewing area in Maryland.
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Broader backupBook a jellyfish 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
Can you see jellyfishes in Maryland in October?+
Yes. October accounts for 160 of the 1,444 verified jellyfishes sightings logged in Maryland across the year, which is 11.1% of the annual total.
Is October a good time to see jellyfishes in Maryland?+
October is the 4th busiest month. It is workable, though August and July is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
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.
See jellyfishes in Maryland in other months
More places to see jellyfishes
More wildlife in Maryland