Best Time to See Whales in New Jersey
July, August and May is the best time to see whales in New Jersey. Based on 950 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when 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 June 28, 2026.
Tamanend's Bottlenose Dolphin · Mila C. CC BY
Humpback Whale · rhododendrites CC BY-SA
Humpback Whale · otomops CC BY
950 verified observations of whales in New Jersey, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When whales are recorded in New Jersey
Peak month
July
205 records (21.6% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7 | 0.7% |
| February | 8 | 0.8% |
| March | 33 | 3.5% |
| April | 60 | 6.3% |
| Maypeak | 142 | 14.9% |
| June | 94 | 9.9% |
| Julypeak | 205 | 21.6% |
| Augustpeak | 143 | 15.1% |
| September | 80 | 8.4% |
| October | 121 | 12.7% |
| November | 39 | 4.1% |
| December | 18 | 1.9% |
Whales you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Tamanend's Bottlenose Dolphin | 482 |
| Humpback Whale | 198 |
| Common Dolphin | 10 |
| Common Minke Whale | 7 |
| Harbour Porpoise | 6 |
| Fin Whale | 4 |
| Sperm Whale | 4 |
| Cuvier's Beaked 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 whales are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for whales 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 whales in New Jersey peak in July, when 205 of the year's 950 verified observations are logged — about 21.6% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, August and May.
The quietest stretch is January and February, when whales are hardest to find — January sees just 7 records. 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 Jersey are Tamanend's Bottlenose Dolphin, Humpback Whale and Common 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 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
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 whales in New Jersey?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, August and May, based on 950 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are whales hardest to see in New Jersey?+
January is the quietest month for whales in New Jersey, with only 7 verified records.
Are whales active year-round in New Jersey?+
Whales 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 whales
More wildlife in New Jersey