Best Time to See Dolphins in Oregon
May, June and April is the best time to see dolphins in Oregon. Based on 68 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when dolphins are most active across the year in Oregon.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
68 verified observations of dolphins in Oregon, recorded across 11 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When dolphins are recorded in Oregon
Peak month
May
19 records (27.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 1 | 1.5% |
| March | 3 | 4.4% |
| Aprilpeak | 8 | 11.8% |
| Maypeak | 19 | 27.9% |
| Junepeak | 16 | 23.5% |
| July | 3 | 4.4% |
| August | 6 | 8.8% |
| September | 1 | 1.5% |
| October | 5 | 7.4% |
| November | 4 | 5.9% |
| December | 2 | 2.9% |
Dolphins you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Orca | 43 |
| Pacific White-sided Dolphin | 8 |
| Striped Dolphin | 6 |
| Risso's Dolphin | 5 |
| Northern Right Whale Dolphin | 2 |
| Rough-toothed Dolphin | 2 |
| Common Dolphin | 1 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Oregon
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 32 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39°F | 26°F | 2" |
| Feb | 38°F | 22°F | 2.4" |
| Mar | 43°F | 25°F | 1.9" |
| Aprbest time | 52°F | 32°F | 2.2" |
| Maybest time | 61°F | 40°F | 2" |
| Junbest time | 71°F | 48°F | 1.1" |
| Jul | 83°F | 56°F | 0.1" |
| Aug | 81°F | 56°F | 0.4" |
| Sep | 71°F | 47°F | 1.2" |
| Oct | 58°F | 37°F | 1.2" |
| Nov | 45°F | 28°F | 2.3" |
| Dec | 37°F | 25°F | 2.4" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Oregon. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of dolphins in Oregon peak in May, when 19 of the year's 68 verified observations are logged — about 27.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, June and April.
The quietest stretch is January, February and September, when dolphins are hardest to find — no verified records exist for January. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The dolphins you are most likely to encounter in Oregon are Orca, Pacific White-sided 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 Oregon
- Crater Lake National Park — National Park
- Fort Vancouver National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Lewis and Clark National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Nez Perce National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve — National Monument & Preserve
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see dolphins in Oregon?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, June and April, based on 68 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are dolphins hardest to see in Oregon?+
January is the quietest month for dolphins in Oregon, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are dolphins active year-round in Oregon?+
Dolphins are recorded in 11 of 12 months in Oregon, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More places to see dolphins
More wildlife in Oregon