Best Time to See Humpback Whales in New Jersey
October, August and July is the best time to see humpback whales in New Jersey. Based on 193 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when humpback whales 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 10, 2026.
Humpback Whale · rhododendrites CC BY-SA
Humpback Whale · otomops CC BY
Humpback Whale · Public domain CC0
193 verified observations of humpback whales in New Jersey, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When humpback whales are recorded in New Jersey
Peak month
October
38 records (19.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4 | 2.1% |
| February | 5 | 2.6% |
| March | 4 | 2.1% |
| April | 4 | 2.1% |
| May | 11 | 5.7% |
| June | 21 | 10.9% |
| Julypeak | 29 | 15% |
| Augustpeak | 32 | 16.6% |
| September | 17 | 8.8% |
| Octoberpeak | 38 | 19.7% |
| November | 18 | 9.3% |
| December | 10 | 5.2% |
Humpback Whales you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Humpback Whale | 193 |
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 humpback whales are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for humpback whales sit around 52 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" |
| May | 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" |
| Octbest time | 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.
More on humpback whales in New Jersey:
Sightings of humpback whales in New Jersey peak in October, when 38 of the year's 193 verified observations are logged — about 19.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through October, August and July.
The quietest stretch is January, March and April, when humpback whales are hardest to find — January sees just 4 records. 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 Jersey 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 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
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see humpback whales in New Jersey?+
October is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through October, August and July, based on 193 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are humpback whales hardest to see in New Jersey?+
January is the quietest month for humpback whales in New Jersey, with only 4 verified records.
Are humpback whales active year-round in New Jersey?+
Humpback whales are recorded in 12 of 12 months in New Jersey, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in October.
More places to see humpback whales
More wildlife in New Jersey