Best Time to See Gray Whales in Washington
May, April and March is the best time to see gray whales in Washington. Based on 431 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when gray whales are most active across the year in Washington.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 10, 2026.
431 verified observations of gray whales in Washington, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When gray whales are recorded in Washington
Peak month
May
92 records (21.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 20 | 4.6% |
| February | 13 | 3% |
| Marchpeak | 57 | 13.2% |
| Aprilpeak | 86 | 20% |
| Maypeak | 92 | 21.3% |
| June | 45 | 10.4% |
| July | 45 | 10.4% |
| August | 37 | 8.6% |
| September | 11 | 2.6% |
| October | 8 | 1.9% |
| November | 8 | 1.9% |
| December | 9 | 2.1% |
Gray Whales you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Grey Whale | 431 |
Sightings of gray whales in Washington peak in May, when 92 of the year's 431 verified observations are logged — about 21.3% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, April and March.
The quietest stretch is October, November and December, when gray whales are hardest to find — October sees just 8 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The gray whales you are most likely to encounter in Washington are Grey 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 gray whales in Washington
- Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve — National Historical Reserve
- 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
- Mount Rainier National Park — National Park
- Nez Perce National Historical Park — National Historical Park
Plan your gray whale trip in Washington
Start with live tours near Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main gray whale viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best gray whale viewing area in Washington.
Viator
Broader backupBook a gray whale tour in Washington
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see gray whales in Washington?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, April and March, based on 431 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are gray whales hardest to see in Washington?+
October is the quietest month for gray whales in Washington, with only 8 verified records.
Are gray whales active year-round in Washington?+
Gray whales are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Washington, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More wildlife in Washington