Whale Watching Season Washington: Month-by-Month Guide (2026)

One of the most common questions visitors ask is:

When is the best time for whale watching in Washington?

The answer depends on what you're looking for.

While summer receives most of the attention, whale watching opportunities exist throughout much of the year. Different months bring different wildlife, weather conditions, crowd levels, and travel experiences.

This month-by-month guide will help you choose the best time to visit based on your goals.

The Short Answer

For most visitors:

• Peak Season: June–September

• Excellent Shoulder Season: May and October

• Winter Wildlife Opportunities: November–February

If you're looking for the best balance of whale activity, weather, and manageable crowds, many experienced whale watchers favor September.

Why Anacortes Is a Great Departure Point Year-Round

Regardless of the month, departure location matters.

Anacortes offers:

• Direct access to the Salish Sea

• No ferry required

• Easy access from Seattle

• Fast routes to productive whale habitat

Because boats start closer to the whale watching grounds, guests often spend more time focused on wildlife and less time in transit.

March

Spring activity begins increasing throughout the region.

Possible wildlife includes:

• Bigg's (transient) orcas

• Harbor porpoises

• Seals and sea lions

• Migratory birds

Weather remains variable, but crowds are minimal.

April

Tour schedules begin expanding as wildlife activity increases.

Visitors often enjoy:

• Smaller crowds

• Cooler temperatures

• Early-season wildlife opportunities

April can be a rewarding month for travelers seeking a quieter experience.

May

May is one of the best-kept secrets in Washington whale watching.

Benefits include:

• Increasing wildlife activity

• Comfortable temperatures

• Lower crowd levels

• More tour availability

Many experienced travelers consider May an outstanding value month.

June

June marks the beginning of peak whale watching season.

Advantages include:

• Longer daylight hours

• Frequent tour departures

• Comfortable weather

• Strong wildlife viewing opportunities

Advance reservations become increasingly important.

July

July is one of the busiest months for whale watching.

Visitors benefit from:

• Warm weather

• Long days

• Frequent departures

• Peak travel season amenities

Expect higher demand and fuller schedules.

August

August continues many of July's advantages.

For visitors traveling during school vacations, it remains one of the most popular months to visit.

September

Many experienced whale watchers consider September the best overall month.

Benefits include:

• Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities

• Pleasant weather

• Fewer crowds after Labor Day

• Comfortable travel conditions

For many visitors, September offers the ideal balance between sightings and visitor volume.

October

October provides a quieter experience while still offering strong wildlife opportunities.

Visitors often enjoy:

• Reduced crowds

• Pleasant fall scenery

• Greater schedule flexibility

November–February

Winter whale watching remains possible, although conditions become more variable.

Advantages include:

• Very small crowds

• Unique seasonal experiences

• Opportunities to encounter marine wildlife year-round

Tour schedules are generally reduced compared to summer.

When Should You Book the Orca-Only Tour?

If seeing orcas is your primary goal, June through September remains the most popular period for booking Outer Island Excursions' Orca-Only Tour.

Outer Island Excursions was the original company to introduce an orca-specific guarantee and remains one of the few operators offering one today.

For many visitors, the Orca-Only Tour has become one of the most compelling reasons to choose Anacortes for whale watching.

Why the Guaranteed Orca Tour Operates in the Afternoon

Many first-time visitors assume morning tours automatically provide the best whale watching opportunities.

When it comes to locating orcas, that is not necessarily true.

Orcas can travel more than 100 miles in a single day, making their morning location difficult to predict.

As the day progresses, whale watching operators gather sightings and track whale movements throughout the Salish Sea. By the afternoon, captains often have significantly more information available about where whales are traveling.

This is one reason Outer Island Excursions schedules its Guaranteed Orca Tour in the afternoon.

The additional information gathered throughout the day helps improve efficiency when locating orcas and supports the company's industry-leading orca guarantee.

Peak Season vs. Off-Season Costs

Peak Season (June–September)

Expect:

• Highest demand

• More frequent departures

• Greater lodging demand

• Premium pricing

Shoulder Season (May and October)

Many visitors find these months provide the best balance of:

• Lower prices

• Strong wildlife opportunities

• Smaller crowds

Winter

Often the most budget-friendly period, although schedules are more limited.

Which Month Is Best for You?

Best Overall Balance

September

Best Value

May and October

Best Family Travel Window

July and August

Best for Avoiding Crowds

March, April, October, and Winter

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month for whale watching in Washington?

Many experienced whale watchers consider September the best overall month because it combines strong wildlife opportunities with smaller crowds.

Are whale watching tours available in winter?

Yes, although schedules are typically reduced and weather conditions can be more variable.

Is May a good month for whale watching?

Absolutely. May offers increasing wildlife activity with fewer crowds than summer.

Why is the Orca Tour offered in the afternoon?

Orcas can travel more than 100 miles in a day. Afternoon departures allow captains to use whale sighting information gathered throughout the day, helping improve efficiency when locating whales.

Do Outer Island Excursions offer an orca guarantee?

Yes. Outer Island Excursions offers a dedicated Orca-Only Tour and was the original company to introduce an orca-specific guarantee.