Whether you are in San Diego for business or pleasure, it is best to be prepared with the best time to see whales. While whale populations do change each year, whales are a sight to behold on at least January and February in some areas of Southern California. For the best whale sighting and viewing opportunities in San Diego and the Bay Area, it is best to go at the beginning or middle of the season.
Whale watching is a popular activity for many tourists to San Diego and the Bay area. Since whale populations do vary by season, whale-watching season in San Diego runs from December to April. But since grey whales and blue whales rarely migrate in the winter, whale-watching season in San Diego isn’t open all year long. In the summer, whales are fairly common along the coastal waters of Southern California. If you like to view whales from the water, the best times to plan a whale-watching tour in San Diego and the bay area are in the fall and spring.
When you consider how close most beaches are to the water, whales and dolphins aren’t far away. This makes whale watching a relaxing, educational activity for families with small children as well as for people traveling in larger groups. And while whale sighting can be an awe-inspiring sight, seeing whales during certain seasons of the year can also offer a unique window into a natural phenomenon. In the summer when whales are migrating from the warm waters of the Pacific to the colder Atlantic waters, whales are a sight to behold. Seeing whales at this time of year is also considered the best time to whale-watch in the San Diego area.
During the winter months, whales tend to stay closer to the coast, so the mornings are typically the best time of day for whale sightings. If you prefer to get up earlier in the mornings, spotting whales on your way out the door can be rewarding. However, whales may be less common at this time of day due to the recent trend of offshore oil production and development. The mornings are still good days for whale sightings, but you need to arrive early if you want to stand a chance at seeing the whales you’ve been waiting to see. In addition, fewer cloud cover and fewer variations in temperature can help make the mornings the best time to whale watch.
As for boat tours, December is a busy month at the southern tip of California. Whale watching is particularly popular in December due to the availability of whales and dolphin cruises. The December peak is usually from June to September, so whale sightings and dolphin cruises are more common in the spring and summer months. In addition, the months of June, July, and August are not conducive to viewing whales or dolphin cruises, so the best months to see whales or dolphin are in November and January.
There are several times of year when whale sightings are more likely. The springtime is the best time to see whales out at sea, especially for those who prefer to get up close and personal. The whales arrive in preparation for their long migration journey, so whale sightings are common during this time. The spring season also sees the completion of the season for whale migrations, which tend to occur in the late summer months. The summer months are not as full of blue whale sightings as it used to be during the spring season, but whale watching is still a popular activity in the San Diego area.
