Wednesday, January 21, 2026

when do gray whales migrate south along the California coast?

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Map of the Gray Whale Migration - Baja Ecotours
Gray whales migrate south along the California coast primarily from December through early February. During this peak, they travel from Arctic feeding grounds to Baja California's lagoons to mate and give birth, often traveling close to shore. Peak sightings usually occur in mid-January. 
Key Details on the Southern Migration:
  • Timeline: While some start leaving in late fall (October/November), the main, visible migration past California occurs in December and January.
  • Behavior: They travel at a pace of about 75 miles a day.
  • Best Viewing Spots: Points of land like Point Reyes, Big Sur, and Monterey Bay offer excellent viewing opportunities as the whales pass close to the coast.
  • Transition: By mid-February, the southbound movement slows, and the northward migration back to Alaska begins, often overlapping with the last of the southbound whales. 

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