Best Time to See Dolphins in Texas
March, April and December is the best time to see dolphins in Texas. Based on 1,595 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when dolphins are most active across the year in Texas.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Common Bottlenose Dolphin · Sydney Dragon CC BY
Common Bottlenose Dolphin · Tim Lenz CC BY
Common Bottlenose Dolphin · Kimberlie Sasan CC BY-ND
1,595 verified observations of dolphins in Texas, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When dolphins are recorded in Texas
Peak month
March
184 records (11.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 120 | 7.5% |
| February | 147 | 9.2% |
| Marchpeak | 184 | 11.5% |
| Aprilpeak | 179 | 11.2% |
| May | 145 | 9.1% |
| June | 138 | 8.7% |
| July | 88 | 5.5% |
| August | 99 | 6.2% |
| September | 83 | 5.2% |
| October | 99 | 6.2% |
| November | 145 | 9.1% |
| Decemberpeak | 168 | 10.5% |
Dolphins you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Common Bottlenose Dolphin | 1,562 |
| Atlantic Spotted Dolphin | 2 |
| Melon-headed Whale | 2 |
| Pilot Whales | 1 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Texas
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 44 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 60°F | 39°F | 0.9" |
| Feb | 60°F | 38°F | 1" |
| Marbest time | 71°F | 49°F | 1.7" |
| Aprbest time | 78°F | 56°F | 1.6" |
| May | 85°F | 64°F | 5.1" |
| Jun | 93°F | 72°F | 1.7" |
| Jul | 96°F | 75°F | 0.9" |
| Aug | 96°F | 75°F | 1.2" |
| Sep | 89°F | 69°F | 1.7" |
| Oct | 80°F | 58°F | 2" |
| Nov | 67°F | 48°F | 1.1" |
| Decbest time | 64°F | 44°F | 1.2" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Texas. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of dolphins in Texas peak in March, when 184 of the year's 1,595 verified observations are logged — about 11.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through March, April and December.
The quietest stretch is September, July and August, when dolphins are hardest to find — September sees just 83 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 Texas are Common Bottlenose Dolphin, Atlantic Spotted Dolphin and Melon-headed 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 dolphins in Texas
- Amistad National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Big Bend National Park — National Park
- Big Thicket National Preserve — National Preserve
- Chamizal National Memorial — National Memorial
- Fort Davis National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park — National Park
Go see them · Texas
Sunset Dolphin Watch Cruise
Join us on a thrilling expedition where sightings of the magnificent Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are a year-round spectacle! Step aboard and let Isla...
Staying over? Compare places to stay near Amistad National Recreation Area
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see dolphins in Texas?+
March is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through March, April and December, based on 1,595 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are dolphins hardest to see in Texas?+
September is the quietest month for dolphins in Texas, with only 83 verified records.
Are dolphins active year-round in Texas?+
Dolphins are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Texas, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in March.
More places to see dolphins
More wildlife in Texas