Best Time to See Dolphins in New Jersey
July, May and August is the best time to see dolphins in New Jersey. Based on 705 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when dolphins are most active across the year in New Jersey.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
Tamanend's Bottlenose Dolphin · Mila C. CC BY
Tamanend's Bottlenose Dolphin · Troy B CC BY
Tamanend's Bottlenose Dolphin · Mila C. CC BY
705 verified observations of dolphins in New Jersey, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When dolphins are recorded in New Jersey
Peak month
July
164 records (23.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2 | 0.3% |
| February | 3 | 0.4% |
| March | 22 | 3.1% |
| April | 54 | 7.7% |
| Maypeak | 126 | 17.9% |
| June | 71 | 10.1% |
| Julypeak | 164 | 23.3% |
| Augustpeak | 101 | 14.3% |
| September | 61 | 8.7% |
| October | 80 | 11.3% |
| November | 19 | 2.7% |
| December | 2 | 0.3% |
Dolphins you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Tamanend's Bottlenose Dolphin | 471 |
| Common Dolphin | 10 |
| Striped Dolphin | 1 |
| Atlantic Spotted Dolphin | 1 |
| Short-finned Pilot Whale | 1 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in New Jersey
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 53 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 43°F | 28°F | 3.4" |
| Feb | 45°F | 29°F | 3.5" |
| Mar | 54°F | 35°F | 4.3" |
| Apr | 63°F | 44°F | 4.6" |
| Maybest time | 72°F | 53°F | 4.1" |
| Jun | 82°F | 63°F | 4.1" |
| Julbest time | 88°F | 70°F | 5.2" |
| Augbest time | 85°F | 69°F | 4.3" |
| Sep | 78°F | 61°F | 4.4" |
| Oct | 68°F | 52°F | 4.7" |
| Nov | 55°F | 39°F | 3" |
| Dec | 46°F | 32°F | 4.6" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for New Jersey. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of dolphins in New Jersey peak in July, when 164 of the year's 705 verified observations are logged — about 23.3% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, May and August.
The quietest stretch is January, December and February, when dolphins are hardest to find — January sees just 2 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 New Jersey are Tamanend's Bottlenose Dolphin, Common Dolphin and Striped 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 New Jersey
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Great Egg Harbor River
- Morristown National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Ellis Island Part of Statue of Liberty National Monument — Part of Statue of Liberty National Monument
- Gateway National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
Go see them · New Jersey
Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise from Cape May
Join Captain Jeff Stewart and his seasoned crew as your cruise into the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean for a 3-hour whale and dolphin watching...
Staying over? Compare places to stay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see dolphins in New Jersey?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, May and August, based on 705 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are dolphins hardest to see in New Jersey?+
January is the quietest month for dolphins in New Jersey, with only 2 verified records.
Are dolphins active year-round in New Jersey?+
Dolphins are recorded in 12 of 12 months in New Jersey, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in July.
More places to see dolphins
More wildlife in New Jersey