Best Time to See Orcas in Washington
July, August and June is the best time to see orcas in Washington. Based on 1,696 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when orcas 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 June 28, 2026.
1,696 verified observations of orcas in Washington, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When orcas are recorded in Washington
Peak month
July
274 records (16.2% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 42 | 2.5% |
| February | 34 | 2% |
| March | 92 | 5.4% |
| April | 162 | 9.6% |
| May | 174 | 10.3% |
| Junepeak | 239 | 14.1% |
| Julypeak | 274 | 16.2% |
| Augustpeak | 258 | 15.2% |
| September | 170 | 10% |
| October | 116 | 6.8% |
| November | 83 | 4.9% |
| December | 52 | 3.1% |
Orcas you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Orca | 1,696 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Washington
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when orcas are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for orcas sit around 51 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 35°F | 24°F | 4.5" |
| Feb | 36°F | 22°F | 2.8" |
| Mar | 46°F | 28°F | 1.2" |
| Apr | 56°F | 33°F | 1.3" |
| May | 67°F | 44°F | 1.2" |
| Junbest time | 76°F | 51°F | 0.9" |
| Julbest time | 86°F | 57°F | 0.2" |
| Augbest time | 86°F | 58°F | 0.3" |
| Sep | 74°F | 50°F | 1.1" |
| Oct | 59°F | 39°F | 1.7" |
| Nov | 42°F | 29°F | 3.6" |
| Dec | 33°F | 23°F | 3.6" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Washington. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on orcas in Washington:
Sightings of orcas in Washington peak in July, when 274 of the year's 1,696 verified observations are logged — about 16.2% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, August and June.
The quietest stretch is February and January, when orcas are hardest to find — February sees just 34 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The orcas you are most likely to encounter in Washington are Orca — 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 orcas 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
Go see them · Washington
Orca whale tour from Orcas Island
For those who are especially passionate about Orcas, this trip is for you! Be prepared for up to five hours on the water in the diligent quest for the...
Staying over? Compare places to stay near Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see orcas in Washington?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, August and June, based on 1,696 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are orcas hardest to see in Washington?+
February is the quietest month for orcas in Washington, with only 34 verified records.
Are orcas active year-round in Washington?+
Orcas are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Washington, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in July.