Best Time to See Humpback Whales in Washington
June, August and July is the best time to see humpback whales in Washington. Based on 526 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when humpback 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.
526 verified observations of humpback whales in Washington, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When humpback whales are recorded in Washington
Peak month
June
159 records (30.2% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4 | 0.8% |
| February | 3 | 0.6% |
| March | 3 | 0.6% |
| April | 8 | 1.5% |
| May | 50 | 9.5% |
| Junepeak | 159 | 30.2% |
| Julypeak | 82 | 15.6% |
| Augustpeak | 85 | 16.2% |
| September | 45 | 8.6% |
| October | 59 | 11.2% |
| November | 21 | 4% |
| December | 7 | 1.3% |
Humpback Whales you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Humpback Whale | 526 |
Sightings of humpback whales in Washington peak in June, when 159 of the year's 526 verified observations are logged — about 30.2% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, August and July.
The quietest stretch is February, March and January, when humpback whales are hardest to find — February sees just 3 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The humpback whales you are most likely to encounter in Washington are Humpback 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 humpback 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 humpback 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 humpback whale viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best humpback whale viewing area in Washington.
Viator
Broader backupBook a humpback 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 humpback whales in Washington?+
June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, August and July, based on 526 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are humpback whales hardest to see in Washington?+
February is the quietest month for humpback whales in Washington, with only 3 verified records.
Are humpback whales active year-round in Washington?+
Humpback whales are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Washington, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in June.
More wildlife in Washington