What time of year is best for whale watching in San Diego?

Asked by: Katie Lund

Humpback, minke, and fin whales can be seen off the coast of San Diego year-round. Blue whale season is in the summer, usually from May to August. But the best months to see whales in San Diego are mid-December to mid-March, when the gray whales migrate from Alaska to Mexico and back.

When can you watch whales in San Diego?

Returns Mid-December 2022
San Diego ranks among the world’s most incredible places for viewing marine wildlife. During whale watching season, mid-December through April, more than 20,000 gray whales migrate along our coast.

What is the best month to go whale watching in California?

In Northern California, your best time to spot gray whales and orcas is December to May. For humpbacks, visit May through November, and for blue whales, the largest animal on Earth, plan your stay sometime between July and October.

What time of day is best for whale watching in San Diego?

The best time of day for whale watching in San Diego is in the morning. The sea is usually calmer compared to other times of the day. Also, perfect sea and weather conditions make it easier to spot whales from a greater distance.

Is whale watching in San Diego worth it?

San Diego a good place see ocean-faring mammals at their finest. In fact, during whale watching season in San Diego, you’ll find plenty of ways to see the migration. With a large kelp forest just offshore that attracts the ocean-going mammals, whale watchers don’t have to go far.

What is the best month to go whale watching?

When is the best time to view the whales? The best time of year to view Orca whales is in May through September. If you’re looking for humpback whales then we suggest September through January.

When can you see orcas in San Diego?

There is a higher chance at spotting orca whales in San Diego during feeding times when their prey has a large population as well. The best time to see killer whales while whale watching is late summer – fall.

What is whale watching season in Southern California?

The peak times for spotting whales offshore in Southern California is late November through mid May. During this time you can see them breaching and spouting not far from shore. The best places to see them from are viewpoints that are high on bluffs especially at points that stick out into the ocean.

Where is the best place to see blue whales in California?

The only place to see them is in the wild. And Dana Point, California, is one of the best places in the world to see blue whales. During the summer months there are more blue whales off our coast than anywhere else in the world. Blue whale watching in Southern California is typically May through October.

What time of day are whales most active?

Whales are never diurnal, but they can be crepuscular. This means they are most active during twilight hours which are both before sunrise and after sunset.

Can you see whales from La Jolla?

La Jolla. One well-loved spot for shoreline whale watching in San Diego is actually La Jolla. Try scanning the waters near Ellen Browning Scripps Park above La Jolla Cove, from the cliffs of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and Torrey Pines Gliderport, or from the viewing deck at Birch Aquarium’s Tide Pool Plaza.

What is the best time to visit San Diego?

The best times to visit San Diego are March through May and September through November. You can find some great deals on travel rates during the low seasons in comparison to the peak summer season.

Can you see whales from land in San Diego?

A couple of great spots to view the grey whale migration from shore include the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, the Cabrillo National Monument and Torrey Pines State Reserve where the hiking trails offer expansive views of the Pacific.

When can you see dolphins in San Diego?

October: Whale watching in San Diego in October is the time to see humpback whales as they start to migrate south. You can also expect to see large pods of dolphins. November: November is peak season for humpback whale migration! During this time, it’s even possible to spot killer whales.