Monterey Whale Watching Season

When Is the Best Time

Monterey is an excellent place for whale watching in California. That’s why we take a tour every year at different times to share our experiences and advice with you. The most important questions are: When is a good time for whale watching, and when do you see which whale species?

All of the links above open in a new tab. Book in advance! However, you are free to check availabilities in our calendar below first.

Luckily, it’s possible to see whales throughout the year. However, with our tips, your next whale-watching trip will become an even better experience. Don’t miss our 7 Monterey Whale Watching Must-Know Tips in the middle of this article.

Whale Watching Season and Best Time

The Monterey whale watching season for gray whales runs from December to May, with peak times in January and March. They migrate to California during the winter to give birth to calves. Humpback whales can be spotted year-round in Monterey Bay.

The best time for whale watching in Monterey Bay is in the winter months, between December and May. You can spot humpback whales and the fascinating gray whales during that period.

However, Monterey in California is an excellent year-round whale watching destination, as you can spot those many whales all year long from January to December.

Please check tour availability via the calendar above. You can still review the details after pressing ‘Book now’! Tip: Don’t wait too long as boat capacities are limited. Most visitors buy the tickets in advance to secure their spot, but you are free to try making a reservation later as well.

How Long Is the Whale Watching Trip

The morning whale watching tour in Monterey Bay lasts between 3.5 to 4 hours. The afternoon tour has a shorter duration and takes between 2.5 and 3 hours. The morning trips are longer because the crew is searching the area to make plans for the best afternoon route. During the summer season, a sunset tour is also being offered sometimes.

What Is The Best Time of Day

The best time of day for whale watching in Monterey Bay is in the morning. While the sighting chances are the same, the ocean conditions are more convenient with a calmer sea. In the afternoon, a boat tour can become quite choppy.

Is Whale Watching in Monterey Worth It?

A Monterey whale watching tour is worth it as the bay has a high concentration of stunning whales. You can spot gray whales, blue whales, or humpback whales. Additionally, you can see dolphins and sea lions. Adults and kids love this experience.

We went on numerous whale watching excursions in Monterey and can recommend this adventure to everyone! Going on a tour gives you the unique opportunity to watch the whales glide effortlessly through the water, interact with each other, and search for food.

Additionally, those playful dolphins are always around to entertain and delight! It’s truly fascinating when you see humpback whales surrounded by hundreds of dolphins.

When Can You See Orcas in Monterey Bay

Orcas sightings are possible year-round in Monterey Bay. The peak months to see them are April, May, and June. However, orcas (killer whales) are less likely to spot compared to humpback whales.

Whale Watching from Monterey Shore

It’s possible to see whales from the shore at Monterey Bay. Especially, humpback whales are frequently spotted from the coast. Places for sightings are Asilomar State Beach, Point Sur Lighthouse, and near Highway 1. Another excellent spot to see humpback whales feeding is near the beaches of Moss Landing at the tip of the Monterey Submarine Canyon.

Other Whales: You may also spot gray whales from land along the Monterey Bay shoreline. However, it’s less likely to spot orcas or blue whales from the shore.

 

Whale Watching Seasons: Winter and Spring

Photo by Echo Beluga on flickr – Orca attacking gray whale

Monterey Bay offers great whale sightings in the winter months (December – February) and the spring months (March-May)

Dolphins: While Risso’s dolphins can be seen year-round, species such as common dolphins are spotted in the winter months in impressive numbers at Monterey Bay.

Gray Whales

Photo by Echo Beluga on flickr – Gray whale calf attacked by orca

• December to mid-May
• Best Times: The two peak times for gray whales off the Monterey coast are around mid-January and later in mid-March.

Winter: The winter season is a golden opportunity to see gray whales at Monterey Bay. These magnificent creatures spend the summer months in the cold waters of the Arctic but return to Baja, California, to mate and give birth to calves.

Gray whales have one of the longest mammalian migrations on record, averaging incredible distances of up to 14,000 miles. They are a very curious species and will sometimes come right up to boats, offering truly fantastic experiences for whale watchers.

Spring: As winter turns to spring, gray whales continue to grace the seas of Monterey. Having spent a few months raising their calves, they begin to migrate northwards again, granting unique opportunities to see young whales traveling with their mothers.

Our Gray Whale Sightings Reports | Winter & Spring

• ‘We did a tour once at the end of December and saw no humpbacks but three gray whales for a few minutes. The details provided by the naturalist on board made the trip even better.’
• ‘On our tour in mid-February, we spotted many gray whales, which was so exciting. The crew gave an excellent narrative of the marine life, especially the grey whales.’
• ‘As mid-March is one of the peak times for gray whales, we had high hopes. Finally, we saw about 7 gray whales on our trip. That was just breathtaking and very exciting!’

Humpback Whales

• Year-Round. However, winter is not the best time for humpbacks off the coast of California.
• Best Time: After the winter period, they can be seen in larger numbers in April/May and beyond.

Winter: Humpback whales usually spend the winter season in the coastal waters of Mexico and Central America and not in the waters of Monterey Bay, California. That means they are not as abundant here as between spring and fall. However, you can still spot Humpback whales in the winter months. The reason is that some of them choose to stay in Monterey Bay to capitalize on the abundance of food.

Spring: From April or May, the migratory humpback whales start to come back to Monterey Bay. Their return results in a larger population of humpbacks between spring and falls with great sighting chances. They come to hunt smaller prey such as anchovies and krill.

Our Humpback Sightings Reports | Winter and Spring

• ‘We went in mid-December once and spotted a few humpback whales. The best part was when one humpback we were following for a while breached! Amazing!’
• ‘Ona tour was in mid-May, we saw three humpback whales, sea lions, and a large pod of dolphins racing along our boat.’

Tip: Another excellent location for spotting humpback whales in North America (west coast) is on a Vancouver Island whale watching tour. The best chance for spotting whales along the east coast is on a tour with a Boston whale watching operator.

 Orcas (Killer Whales)

Photo by Echo Beluga on flickr – Orca

• Year-Round
• Best Time in Spring: April, May

Winter/Spring: While killer whales (orcas) are active year-round in Monterey Bay. However, April, May, and June is their peak period, when they feed on migrating gray whales, typically mother and newborn calves.

Killer whales are the largest species in the dolphin family and are known for being skilled hunters with complex social systems. And while their presence can sometimes scare other marine life away, seeing one of the most intelligent animals in the seas can still be an amazing experience.

Our Orca Sightings Reports | Spring

• ‘Spotting orcas was a lifelong dream which now came true. When we went in May we spotted a pod of killer whales for more than half an hour. Seeing these majestic creatures in their natural environment is nothing short of jaw-dropping.
• ‘We saw orcas, dolphins, and sea lions during our tour in April a few years ago. Those were some spectacular views from the boat.’

Other sightings include dolphins, seals, and the occasional shark.

 

Whale Watching Seasons: Summer and Fall

The whale watching opportunities in Monterey Bay are not only excellent in the winter and spring. In addition, the summer months (June – August ) and fall (September – November) provide great sighting chances every day.

The fall months tend to bring about the best weather conditions in Monterey, with mild temperatures, clear days, and little to no rain. While present throughout the year, humpbacks can be easily spotted during this time and can provide truly spectacular sights.

Blue Whales

• May – October
• Best Time: July – August (Peak Time)

Coldwater currents during summer bring upwellings of nutrients to the Californian coast. These nutrients cause explosions in plankton populations, which in turn provide rich feeding opportunities for even the largest of marine species – the blue whale. Often seen in pairs, these majestic animals have become more common in recent years and are a spectacular highlight for any whale watcher.

Blue Whale Sightings Report | Summer and Fall

• ‘We were told that blue whale sightings weren’t as likely as the humpback ones. However, we saw a total of seven(!) blue whales on our trip in August. Absolutely stunning!’
• ‘In September, we were greeted by some humpbacks and by a huge blue whale. It surfaced multiple times and gave us such a fantastic fluke show.’

Humpback Whales

• Year-Round
• Migrating Humpbacks: May through mid-December
• Best Time: Usually July and August (Peak times)

Humpbacks are present year-round but regularly sighted daily in summer and fall as the migrating humpbacks stay in Monterey Bay during that period.

Humpback Whales Behavior: Humpbacks know how to put on a show, regularly engaging in acts such as breaching – where they launch themselves entirely out of the water – and tail slapping.

Make sure to also watch out for rarer species such as gray whales, sunfish, and turtles.

Humpback Whale Sightings Report | Summer and Fall

• ‘We saw sea lions and hung out with a group of 6-8 humpbacks for an hour in July. At one point, I had tears in my eye. Seeing these giant creatures up close was moving!’
• ‘The highlight was a dozen of humpback whales when we went on a tour in September. Some were acting alone, and others in a pod of 5! We got to witness a headstand and four breaches. Even the guides and our captain were excited!!!!’

Another fantastic place to watch humpback whales is in Maui, Hawaii. Read our season guide for whale watching in Maui.

Orcas (Killer Whales)

• Year-Round
• Best Time in Summer and Fall: June and sometimes late August – October

The most spotted killer whale in Monterey Bay is the transient killer whale. They hunt seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises, and gray whale calves, as well as minke whales. However, keep in mind that killer whale sightings are much less likely than humpbacks.

While you can spot killer whales every season in Monterey Bay, the best time in summer is June. Some local experts say there is another ‘slight peak’ from late August until October.

Orca Sightings Report | Summer

• ‘The staff was extremely helpful, and we had an incredible experience as we were able to see an orca hunt in June.’

 

 

7 Monterey Whale Watching Must-Know Tips

1. Sunscreen: Protection against the sun is a must at any time. The sun in Monterey Bay can be pretty bright, even when there is cloud cover or fog. To avoid sunburn, bring sunscreen and maybe a hat.
2. Sunglasses: Wearing sunglasses allows you to view Monterey’s whales regardless of the sun’s direction. Special Tip: Polarized glasses are most useful as they filter out the sun reflecting from the water. These types of sunglasses let you spot the whales more easily below the surface of the ocean.
3. Clothing: As it is colder on the ocean, bring layers regardless of the season and time of day. Even on a warm day in July or August, appropriate clothing for the chilly sea conditions in Monterey Bay is a must. We recommend a jacket or a sweatshirt. Additionally, bring something waterproof as there can be some spray. Visitors who made the mistake of not bringing layers often had to buy sweatshirts for 30 USD from the tour operator’s shop.
4. Seasickness: If you are prone to seasickness or not sure about it, please take precautions! Especially on afternoon tours, the boat will be bouncing up and down due to a choppy ocean. Getting nauseated and vomiting will ruin your trip. Take seasickness pills at least one hour before boarding. Additional strategies against seasickness are a) Keep your eyes on the horizon and eat saltine crackers or ginger. b) Don’t use the upper deck, as it sways a lot more than the lower one. c) Book a morning tour as the ocean is usually calmer compared to the afternoon trips.
5. Photography: Whales and other fascinating marine wildlife are being sighted in Monterey Bay every day of the year. That alone makes a boat tour perfect for unique whale photos at any daytime. However, the scenic light in the morning is even better for the perfect shot than later in the afternoon. If you are serious about photographing, book the morning tour! Tip: Make sure your camera is secure and strapped the whole time!
6. Shoes: It’s essential to wear shoes, not sandals. Also, if you’d like to move quickly and safely on the boat for whale spotting, wear rubber-soled shoes. Wearing non-slip shoes is really helpful, as the deck of the vessel can be wet and slippery.
7. Inside: When the boat leaves the harbor, you will already spot fascinating wildlife like see seals, birds, and otters. After that, you can go inside and stay warm for at least 30-40 minutes until the vessel gets to the plankton and whales. There is no need to stay outside the whole time and freeze. Also, the boat crew will inform you as soon as there is a whale or dolphin sighting. You won’t miss anything!

 

Whale Watching in Monterey by Month

Photo by Dustin Brookshire. Visit his INSTAGRAM

January is an excellent time of year to spot gray whales and humpback whales on a Monterey whale watching tour. Especially the middle weeks of the month coincide with the peak of the gray whale migration. Other marine life that can be seen at this time include several dolphin species and the occasional pod of Killer Whales.

January weather: 58°F (average high) and 8 rainy days.

In February, gray whales and humpback whales are common sightings. Dolphin species such as Risso’s Dolphins and Pacific White-sided Dolphins can be seen in large pods and, if you’re lucky, you may spot Killers Whales.

February weather: 60°F (average high) and 8 rainy days.

March is still an excellent month to spot migrating gray whales as they begin to move northwards up the coast, sometimes with calves in tow. Humpback whales and a variety of dolphin species are common during this time, while the rarer gray whale may also be seen.

March weather: 61°F (average high) and 8 rainy days.

During April, Killer Whales start to become more prevalent in the Monterey area, often in matriarchal pods. Alongside this species, possible sightings in this month might include humpback whales, gray whales with calves, and numerous dolphin species. April tends to be the windiest month in Monterey, so it’s best to come prepared with suitable clothing.

April weather: 62°F (average high) and 4 rainy days.

In May, humpbacks are the most abundant species of whale and can sometimes be seen breaching spectacularly out of the water. This month is also the first time during the year when blue whales can be sighted in Monterey.

May weather: 63°F (average high) and 2 rainy days.

June is a great month to see humpbacks, which are often spotted on a daily basis. There are also chances to see blue whales and gray whales as they feed off the coast, as well as many dolphin species.

June weather: 65°F (average high) and 0 rainy days.

In July, sightings of humpback whales and blue whales – the largest animal on Earth – generally reach their peak. Large pods of dolphins are also common, sometimes being spotted in numbers up to 1000.

July weather: 66°F (average high) and 0 rainy days.

August can produce a range of sightings, as many marine species are active in the Monterey area. Blue whales and humpbacks are still frequent visitors. Other species to spot include Minke Whales and gray whales.

August weather: 68°F (average high) and 0 rainy days.

In September, humpback whales are the most common sighting and are often seen on a daily basis. Blue whales start to become less prevalent during this month, however, Killer Whales can sometimes be seen feeding. September is generally a very still month in Monterey and the lack of wind makes it great for whale watching.

September weather: 70°F (average high) and 0 rainy days.

October regularly produces excellent weather conditions for spotting marine life, and many whales can be seen moving along the coast. This can often be the best month to see gray whales, although this species tends to stay further from the shore. Blue whale sightings are possible but limited since it’s usually their last month here. Humpbacks are regular sightings.

October weather: 68°F (average high) and 2 rainy days.

November is often your last chance to see blue whales before they begin to migrate to other feeding grounds. Also in the area during this month are humpbacks, rare sightings of gray whales, and a few early gray whales.

November weather: 63°F (average high) and 5 rainy days.

December becomes an excellent time to spot gray whales in Monterey Bay as they return from their winter feeding grounds in the Arctic. Humpback whales and Killer Whales are also common sightings for those happy to brave the cooler temperatures during this month.

December weather: 58°F (average high) and 7 rainy days.

 

 

Differences between Monterey Whale Watching and San Diego

The calm waters of Monterey Bay tend to attract more whales due to rich upwellings of nutrients in the bay and the opportunity for the whales to rest in shallower water. There is also a great diversity of other marine life in Monterey, such as turtles, sea lions, and sea otters. However, San Diego can be particularly good for spotting Gray Whales during winter and Blue Whales during Summer.

If you plan to visit San Diego as well, make sure to check out the best times to go to San Diego (the link takes you to our guide with unique tips for each month in San Diego). San Diego is the birthplace of California and offers so many unique things to do besides whale watching. Additionally, make sure to read our guide about the best time to visit California and how many days you should visit this beautiful state.