Monday, October 13, 2008

October - Perfect Whale Watching Weather in San Francisco

Did you know that average October weather in San Francisco is warmer than that of June, July or August? In fact, the only month of the year where the average San Francisco temperature exceeds October’s is September.


Add that to generally calmer seas, lots of migrating Humpback Whales, plenty of dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, and sea birds, and you have the ideal time to take an SF Bay Whale Watching expedition.

Humpbacks are still plentiful even as the southward migration season approaches. Last week there was even a Blue Whale sighting although nobody managed a photo.

And even though the seabird breeding season has largely finished, there are still plenty of birds resident on the Farallones, as well as some migratory songbirds passing through!



Did I mention that with breeding season largely finished at the Farallones, the Farallon flies and Eau de Farallones have mercifully abated?!


With mild temperatures, calm seas, and diminished fog, September and October, somewhat paradoxically, are peak White Shark season at the Farallones. While you may not see a White Shark feeding off the Farallones this Fall (and then again, you might...), consider that one may be waiting, watching from below for that sea lion silhouette and an opportunity to strike! These Tufted Puffins are safe from the sharks - not enough fat or meat!

The September/October pay-off was abundant for SF Bay Whale Watching passengers on recent trips, as photographer Ed Estes’ shows in these “San Francisco’s version of summer” images.





Photos by Ed Estes. Text by Kathleen Jacques.

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