Best Time to See Sea Lions in Washington
April, May and September is the best time to see sea lions in Washington. Based on 2,626 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when sea lions 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.
California Sea Lion · k7hpn CC BY
Steller Sea Lion · Abby Ciona CC BY
Steller Sea Lion · Kristy Morley CC BY
2,626 verified observations of sea lions in Washington, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When sea lions are recorded in Washington
Peak month
April
424 records (16.1% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 141 | 5.4% |
| February | 129 | 4.9% |
| March | 172 | 6.5% |
| Aprilpeak | 424 | 16.1% |
| Maypeak | 414 | 15.8% |
| June | 189 | 7.2% |
| July | 154 | 5.9% |
| August | 172 | 6.5% |
| Septemberpeak | 286 | 10.9% |
| October | 206 | 7.8% |
| November | 177 | 6.7% |
| December | 162 | 6.2% |
Sea Lions you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| California Sea Lion | 1,399 |
| Steller Sea Lion | 1,050 |
| Northern Fur Seal | 5 |
| Guadalupe Fur Seal | 1 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Washington
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when sea lions are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for sea lions sit around 33 to 74 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" |
| Aprbest time | 56°F | 33°F | 1.3" |
| Maybest time | 67°F | 44°F | 1.2" |
| Jun | 76°F | 51°F | 0.9" |
| Jul | 86°F | 57°F | 0.2" |
| Aug | 86°F | 58°F | 0.3" |
| Sepbest time | 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 sea lions in Washington:
Sightings of sea lions in Washington peak in April, when 424 of the year's 2,626 verified observations are logged — about 16.1% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, May and September.
The quietest stretch is February, January and July, when sea lions are hardest to find — February sees just 129 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The sea lions you are most likely to encounter in Washington are California Sea Lion, Steller Sea Lion and Northern Fur Seal — 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 sea lions 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
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see sea lions in Washington?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, May and September, based on 2,626 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are sea lions hardest to see in Washington?+
February is the quietest month for sea lions in Washington, with only 129 verified records.
Are sea lions active year-round in Washington?+
Sea lions are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Washington, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More places to see sea lions
More wildlife in Washington