Whales are large mammals that travel the world for feeding and mating. Several species of whales are seen in various parts of the world at different times in the year. Hence, the best times of year to go whale watching depends greatly on the location. Below is a summary to help you decide the best times of the year to go whale watching based on the time of year that is most ideal for your schedule.
Whale Watching in January and February
This is the best time to go whale watching in Hawaii, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Antarctica. It is also when the blue whales can be seen in Sri Lanka and Baja California in Mexico. Other whales sighted include humpback whales, minke whales, and several dolphins. This is when the whales are swimming to warmer water, so it is ideal for those looking to get away in the colder winter months.
Whale Watching in March
If you intend to go whale watching in the month of March, Greenland, New Zealand, Hawaii, Argentina, Sri Lanka, Baja California Peninsula and the Canary Islands will be good spots. Whales that can be seen around this time include bowhead, blue whales (Sri Lanka) and various dolphins.
Whale Watching in April
Whale watching in April should be done in Greenland, Ireland, Sri Lanka, Hawaii and the Canary Islands. You can spot blue whales (Sri Lanka), bowhead whales, sperm whales, and various dolphins in April.
Whale Watching in May
If you want to catch the blue whales in May, Azores is the place to go whale watching. South Africa is also a good whale watching destination in May. Common whales seen include bowhead whale, humpback, beluga, and dolphins.
Whale Watching in June
The month of June is the best time to go whale watching in New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, Canada, Alaska, the Lofoten Islands, the Vancouver Islands, Ireland, and the Arctic. Blue whales (Iceland, California, Monterey), humpback whales, bowhead, minke whales, fin whales, killer whales, narwhal and beluga whales.
Whale Watching in July and August
New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, Iceland, Canada, the Lofoten Islands, Vancouver Islands, Monterey, Ireland, and the Arctic. This is a good time to go watch the blue whales in California, Canada, Russia, and Iceland. Others spotted at this time include humpback whales, bowhead whales, minke whales, fin whales, killer whales, narwhal and beluga whales.
Whale Watching in September
South Africa, Iceland, Canada, the Lofoten Islands, the Vancouver Islands, Ireland, Tonga, Madeira, and the Arctic. Blue whales can be spotted in Monterey, Australia, and California at this time.
Whale Watching in October
Tonga, South Africa, Iceland, Canada, the Lofoten Islands, Ireland, Madeira, and the Arctic, California (blue whale), and Australia (blue whale).
Whale Watching in November
South Africa, Hawaii, Argentina, Madeira, the Canary Islands, the Lofoten Islands, and Antarctica. Also, this is the best time to watch the blue whales in Sri Lanka and Australia.
Whale Watching in December
Hawaii, Ireland, New Zealand, Argentina, and Arctica. Blue whales can also be sighted in Sri Lanka and Australia in December.
