Best Time to See Dolphins in South Carolina
March, December and July is the best time to see dolphins in South Carolina. Based on 973 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when dolphins are most active across the year in South Carolina.
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 · Charlotte Kirchner CC BY
Tamanend's Bottlenose Dolphin · sudomir CC BY
Tamanend's Bottlenose Dolphin · Peter Burka CC BY-SA
973 verified observations of dolphins in South Carolina, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When dolphins are recorded in South Carolina
Peak month
March
116 records (11.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 76 | 7.8% |
| February | 44 | 4.5% |
| Marchpeak | 116 | 11.9% |
| April | 78 | 8% |
| May | 76 | 7.8% |
| June | 100 | 10.3% |
| Julypeak | 102 | 10.5% |
| August | 71 | 7.3% |
| September | 50 | 5.1% |
| October | 59 | 6.1% |
| November | 92 | 9.5% |
| Decemberpeak | 109 | 11.2% |
Dolphins you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Tamanend's Bottlenose Dolphin | 804 |
| Striped Dolphin | 2 |
| Common Bottlenose Dolphin | 1 |
| Common Dolphins | 1 |
| Pilot Whales | 1 |
| Rough-toothed Dolphin | 1 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in South Carolina
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 43 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 57°F | 41°F | 4.6" |
| Feb | 63°F | 44°F | 4" |
| Marbest time | 69°F | 49°F | 4" |
| Apr | 76°F | 54°F | 4.5" |
| May | 83°F | 63°F | 3.4" |
| Jun | 88°F | 69°F | 4.2" |
| Julbest time | 92°F | 74°F | 5.2" |
| Aug | 90°F | 73°F | 4.9" |
| Sep | 85°F | 67°F | 4.1" |
| Oct | 77°F | 58°F | 2.3" |
| Nov | 66°F | 47°F | 2.7" |
| Decbest time | 60°F | 43°F | 4.5" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for South Carolina. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of dolphins in South Carolina peak in March, when 116 of the year's 973 verified observations are logged — about 11.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through March, December and July.
The quietest stretch is February, September and October, when dolphins are hardest to find — February sees just 44 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 South Carolina are Tamanend's Bottlenose Dolphin, Striped Dolphin and Common Bottlenose 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 South Carolina
- Charles Pinckney National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Ninety Six National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Congaree National Park — National Park
- Cowpens National Battlefield — National Battlefield
Go see them · South Carolina
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see dolphins in South Carolina?+
March is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through March, December and July, based on 973 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are dolphins hardest to see in South Carolina?+
February is the quietest month for dolphins in South Carolina, with only 44 verified records.
Are dolphins active year-round in South Carolina?+
Dolphins are recorded in 12 of 12 months in South Carolina, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in March.
More places to see dolphins
More wildlife in South Carolina