Best Time to See Whales in Maryland
July, June and November is the best time to see whales in Maryland. Based on 203 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when 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 June 28, 2026.
Tamanend's Bottlenose Dolphin · Tom Field CC BY
Humpback Whale · Alina Martin CC BY
Tamanend's Bottlenose Dolphin · Wendy McCrady CC BY
203 verified observations of whales in Maryland, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When whales are recorded in Maryland
Peak month
July
45 records (22.2% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5 | 2.5% |
| February | 11 | 5.4% |
| March | 8 | 3.9% |
| April | 9 | 4.4% |
| May | 14 | 6.9% |
| Junepeak | 28 | 13.8% |
| Julypeak | 45 | 22.2% |
| August | 23 | 11.3% |
| September | 14 | 6.9% |
| October | 16 | 7.9% |
| Novemberpeak | 26 | 12.8% |
| December | 4 | 2% |
Whales you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Tamanend's Bottlenose Dolphin | 138 |
| Humpback Whale | 9 |
| Common Dolphin | 6 |
| Harbour Porpoise | 3 |
| Pygmy Sperm Whale | 1 |
| 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 whales are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for whales sit around 40 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" |
| 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" |
| 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 whales in Maryland peak in July, when 45 of the year's 203 verified observations are logged — about 22.2% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, June and November.
The quietest stretch is December and January, when whales are hardest to find — December sees just 4 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The whales you are most likely to encounter in Maryland are Tamanend's Bottlenose Dolphin, Humpback Whale and Common 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 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 whales in Maryland?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, June and November, based on 203 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are whales hardest to see in Maryland?+
December is the quietest month for whales in Maryland, with only 4 verified records.
Are whales active year-round in Maryland?+
Whales 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 whales
More wildlife in Maryland