Best Time to See Whales in New Hampshire
August, September and July is the best time to see whales in New Hampshire. Based on 39 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when 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 2, 2026.
39 verified observations of whales in New Hampshire, recorded across 7 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When whales are recorded in New Hampshire
Peak month
August
14 records (35.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1 | 2.6% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 0 | 0% |
| April | 1 | 2.6% |
| May | 0 | 0% |
| June | 0 | 0% |
| Julypeak | 10 | 25.6% |
| Augustpeak | 14 | 35.9% |
| Septemberpeak | 11 | 28.2% |
| October | 1 | 2.6% |
| November | 0 | 0% |
| December | 1 | 2.6% |
Whales you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Humpback Whale | 26 |
| Fin Whale | 7 |
| Harbour Porpoise | 2 |
| Atlantic White-sided Dolphin | 2 |
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 whales are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for 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 whales in New Hampshire:
Sightings of whales in New Hampshire peak in August, when 14 of the year's 39 verified observations are logged — about 35.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through August, September and July.
The quietest stretch is February, March and May, when 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 whales you are most likely to encounter in New Hampshire are Humpback Whale, Fin Whale and Harbour Porpoise — 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 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 whales in New Hampshire?+
August is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through August, September and July, based on 39 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are whales hardest to see in New Hampshire?+
February is the quietest month for whales in New Hampshire, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are whales active year-round in New Hampshire?+
Whales are recorded in 7 of 12 months in New Hampshire, concentrated around August and September.
More places to see whales
More wildlife in New Hampshire