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Live · updated todayTypical peak look

Point Reyeswinter wildlife

Gray whales are usually seen migrating south past Point Reyes from December through mid-February, with peak viewing in mid-January, per the National Park Service (Dec 1–Feb 15). No official report yet this season.

Right now in Point Reyes · September

  • Heavy fog on the beaches · Jul–Sep
  • Clearest days on the coast · Sep–Nov

64days to the next winter wildlife seasonDec 1–Feb 15, local timing

Local timing
Dec 1–Feb 15
General timing for this place: not a peak date, and not a forecast.

Point Reyes National Seashore through the year

  • WildflowersFeb–Aug
  • Gray whales heading north, peak viewing mid-MarchMar
  • Gray whale mothers and calves close to shore, late April and early MayApr–May
  • Heavy fog on the beachesNowJul–Sep
  • Clearest days on the coastNowSep–Nov
  • Elephant seals at Drakes BeachDec–Mar
  • Gray whales heading south, peak viewing mid-JanuaryDec–Feb

Where to watch

  • Point Reyes LighthouseAt the tip of the Point Reyes Headlands; about a 15-minute walk from the parking lot, with an accessible parking lot and a ~400-foot accessible path to the observation deck for placard holders
  • Chimney RockThe other headlands spot the park names as best for gray whales; the Elephant Seal Overlook is nearby

Point Reyes in pictures

Illustrative photos, not current conditions
A black and white photo of a short, three-story-tall, white lighthouse on the edge of a cliff, with one man on the tower's balcony and another at the cliff edge
Historical photo: the Point Reyes Lighthouse shortly after it was built, 1870 or 1871 (Eadweard Muybridge). Photo: Public Domain / Eadweard Muybridge photograph · public domain · resized

How we know

National Park Service, Point Reyes National Seashore: Whale Watching (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, Point Reyes National Seashore: Frequently Asked Questions (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, Point Reyes wildflowers (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Chimney Rock (Point Reyes) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Point Reyes weather (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) National Park Service sources: no claim to original U.S. Government works.

All our sources and how we use them →

Questions people ask

When is the best time to see winter wildlife at Point Reyes National Seashore?

Gray whales are usually seen migrating south past Point Reyes from December through mid-February, with peak viewing in mid-January, per the National Park Service: Dec 1–Feb 15. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.

Is it wildlife season at Point Reyes National Seashore right now?

Not now: the winter wildlife season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 64 days (Dec 1–Feb 15, local timing).

Can I bring my dog?

Not to the best whale-watching spots: pets are prohibited in the lighthouse and Chimney Rock areas. In the park, dogs are allowed only on a few beaches, on a leash no longer than 6 feet.Sources: National Park Service, Point Reyes National Seashore: Whale Watching ↗ (opens in a new tab), National Park Service, Point Reyes National Seashore: Frequently Asked Questions ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Is there a fee to watch whales?

There's no activity fee, though park entrance fees may apply.Source: National Park Service, Point Reyes National Seashore: Whale Watching ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Can I go down to the lighthouse?

The lighthouse is 313 steps down the cliff. The Lighthouse Visitor Center and the stairs are open, weather permitting, 10 am to 4:30 pm Fridays through Mondays, and closed Tuesdays through Thursdays.Source: National Park Service, Point Reyes National Seashore: Frequently Asked Questions ↗ (opens in a new tab)

How long is the drive?

About 45 minutes from the Bear Valley Visitor Center to the lighthouse parking lot, then a 15-minute walk to the Lighthouse Visitor Center.Source: National Park Service, Point Reyes National Seashore: Frequently Asked Questions ↗ (opens in a new tab)

What weather should I expect in winter?

Winter brings the heaviest rain, sometimes lasting several days; between storms it is often sunny, calm and cool. The strongest winds come in November and December.Source: National Park Service, Point Reyes National Seashore: Whale Watching ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Where are the best spots in Point Reyes National Seashore?

Point Reyes Lighthouse: at the tip of the Point Reyes Headlands; about a 15-minute walk from the parking lot, with an accessible parking lot and a ~400-foot accessible path to the observation deck for placard holders; Chimney Rock: the other headlands spot the park names as best for gray whales; the Elephant Seal Overlook is nearby.

What is Point Reyes National Seashore like through the year?

Wildflowers (Feb–Aug), Elephant seals at Drakes Beach (Dec–Mar), Heavy fog on the beaches (Jul–Sep), Clearest days on the coast (Sep–Nov), Gray whales heading south, peak viewing mid-January (Dec–Feb), Gray whales heading north, peak viewing mid-March (Mar) and Gray whale mothers and calves close to shore, late April and early May (Apr–May).