Best Time to See Dolphins in Mississippi
September, July and June is the best time to see dolphins in Mississippi. Based on 146 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when dolphins are most active across the year in Mississippi.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Common Bottlenose Dolphin · Public domain CC0
Common Bottlenose Dolphin · Tia Offner CC BY
Common Bottlenose Dolphin · evangrimes CC BY
146 verified observations of dolphins in Mississippi, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When dolphins are recorded in Mississippi
Peak month
September
25 records (17.1% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3 | 2.1% |
| February | 14 | 9.6% |
| March | 14 | 9.6% |
| April | 9 | 6.2% |
| May | 13 | 8.9% |
| Junepeak | 15 | 10.3% |
| Julypeak | 19 | 13% |
| August | 12 | 8.2% |
| Septemberpeak | 25 | 17.1% |
| October | 8 | 5.5% |
| November | 8 | 5.5% |
| December | 6 | 4.1% |
Dolphins you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Common Bottlenose Dolphin | 144 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Mississippi
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when dolphins are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for dolphins sit around 69 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 57°F | 40°F | 6" |
| Feb | 61°F | 42°F | 6.7" |
| Mar | 69°F | 49°F | 5.4" |
| Apr | 74°F | 54°F | 7.5" |
| May | 82°F | 63°F | 4.9" |
| Junbest time | 89°F | 70°F | 4.5" |
| Julbest time | 90°F | 74°F | 6" |
| Aug | 90°F | 74°F | 5.7" |
| Sepbest time | 88°F | 69°F | 2.8" |
| Oct | 77°F | 58°F | 4.3" |
| Nov | 66°F | 46°F | 2.9" |
| Dec | 61°F | 44°F | 5.6" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Mississippi. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of dolphins in Mississippi peak in September, when 25 of the year's 146 verified observations are logged — about 17.1% of the annual total. Activity stays high through September, July and June.
The quietest stretch is January, when dolphins are hardest to find — January sees just 3 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The dolphins you are most likely to encounter in Mississippi are Common Bottlenose 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 dolphins in Mississippi
- Gulf Islands National Seashore — National Seashore
- Natchez Trace Parkway — Parkway
- Shiloh National Military Park — National Military Park
- Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site — National Battlefield Site
- Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument — National Monument
- Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument — National Monument
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see dolphins in Mississippi?+
September is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through September, July and June, based on 146 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are dolphins hardest to see in Mississippi?+
January is the quietest month for dolphins in Mississippi, with only 3 verified records.
Are dolphins active year-round in Mississippi?+
Dolphins are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Mississippi, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in September.
More places to see dolphins
More wildlife in Mississippi