Otters in Washington in May
Yes, May is one of the best months to see otters in Washington. It is the 3rd busiest month of the year, with 246 of the 2,532 sightings logged across the year (9.7%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Peak month for otters in Washington
9.7%
of yearly sightings
246
records in May
#3
busiest month of 12
2,532
verified records a year
April 12.6%, May 9.7%, June 9.1%. Busiest month is April at 12.6%.
2,532 verified observations of otters in Washington, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When otters are recorded in Washington
Peak month
April
318 records (12.6% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 200 | 7.9% |
| February | 137 | 5.4% |
| March | 181 | 7.1% |
| Aprilpeak | 318 | 12.6% |
| Maypeak | 246 | 9.7% |
| June | 231 | 9.1% |
| July | 215 | 8.5% |
| Augustpeak | 259 | 10.2% |
| September | 185 | 7.3% |
| October | 197 | 7.8% |
| November | 177 | 7% |
| December | 186 | 7.3% |
Otters you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| North American River Otter | 2,532 |
In Washington, May carries 9.7% of the year's otters sightings, about 1.4 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 3rd busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is easing off from April (12.6%) into May, and it heads toward June (9.1%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so May is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.
The otters most often recorded in Washington are North American River Otter. Those counts are annual totals rather than a May split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in May itself.
Which otters you are most likely to see
- North American River Otter2,532 records
Plan your otter 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 otter viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best otter viewing area in Washington.
Viator
Broader backupBook a otter 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
Can you see otters in Washington in May?+
Yes. May accounts for 246 of the 2,532 verified otters sightings logged in Washington across the year, which is 9.7% of the annual total.
Is May a good time to see otters in Washington?+
May is one of the best months. It ranks 3rd of the year and sits inside the peak window of April, August and May.
What month is best for otters in Washington?+
April is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through April, August and May, based on 2,532 verified observations.
Which otters are you most likely to see in Washington?+
The most-recorded species in Washington are North American River Otter, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See otters in Washington in other months
More wildlife in Washington