Best Time to See Humpback Whales in New Hampshire
August, July and September is the best time to see humpback whales in New Hampshire. Based on 26 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when humpback whales are most active across the year in New Hampshire.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 10, 2026.
26 verified observations of humpback whales in New Hampshire, recorded across 6 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When humpback whales are recorded in New Hampshire
Peak month
August
9 records (34.6% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1 | 3.8% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 0 | 0% |
| April | 1 | 3.8% |
| May | 0 | 0% |
| June | 0 | 0% |
| Julypeak | 7 | 26.9% |
| Augustpeak | 9 | 34.6% |
| Septemberpeak | 7 | 26.9% |
| October | 1 | 3.8% |
| November | 0 | 0% |
| December | 0 | 0% |
Humpback Whales you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Humpback Whale | 26 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in New Hampshire
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 48 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 24°F | 8°F | 4.1" |
| Feb | 25°F | 8°F | 3.6" |
| Mar | 34°F | 18°F | 3.3" |
| Apr | 45°F | 29°F | 5.2" |
| May | 58°F | 40°F | 4.1" |
| Jun | 67°F | 50°F | 4.8" |
| Julbest time | 72°F | 57°F | 7.1" |
| Augbest time | 70°F | 56°F | 4.5" |
| Sepbest time | 63°F | 48°F | 4.5" |
| Oct | 53°F | 39°F | 5.6" |
| Nov | 38°F | 24°F | 4.2" |
| Dec | 30°F | 17°F | 6" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for New Hampshire. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on humpback whales in New Hampshire:
Sightings of humpback whales in New Hampshire peak in August, when 9 of the year's 26 verified observations are logged — about 34.6% of the annual total. Activity stays high through August, July and September.
The quietest stretch is February, March and May, when humpback whales are hardest to find — no verified records exist for February. 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park — National Historical Park
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see humpback whales in New Hampshire?+
August is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through August, July and September, based on 26 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are humpback whales hardest to see in New Hampshire?+
February is the quietest month for humpback whales in New Hampshire, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are humpback whales active year-round in New Hampshire?+
Humpback whales are recorded in 6 of 12 months in New Hampshire, concentrated around August and July.
More places to see humpback whales
More wildlife in New Hampshire