While residents of many U.S. cities scramble for shelter from brutal cold during the months between November and April, San Diegans suffer no such fate. While the region's temperatures usually take a slight dip, increasing precipitation almost imperceptibly, winter is still a great time for San Diego whale watching tours. The best reasons to go on a tour in the winter, however, have to do with the abundant wildlife traveling through the area. Since whales are migratory animals, timing is key when booking a tour. Here are some of the benefits of making your reservation in winter:

Gray Whale Migrations

Gray whales are a large baleen whale named for their coloration and renowned for their unique feeding habits. Since gray whales feed on ocean-floor crustaceans, they prefer coastal waters with easy access to food. Every year, these whales undergo the longest migration of any mammal, traveling nearly 10,000 miles up and down the west coast. Because San Diego is situated directly in the path of migrating gray whales, it is the perfect place from which to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. It is estimated that nearly 20,000 gray whales make their way through California every winter, so sightings of multiple animals on a single trip are extremely common.

Humpback Whales

Because of their massive size and distinctive appearance, humpback whales are a favorite for tour guests everywhere. While several different types of whales visit California's coast only periodically, at least some migrating humpback whales are generally present all year. Humpbacks like to stay close to the shore, and often breach the water's surface in spectacular fashion. Viewers fortunate enough to observe feeding humpbacks can see them feeding on the small fish and crustaceans they require to fulfill their gargantuan dietary requirements—nearly 3,000 pounds daily.

Other Fascinating Year-Round Species

San Diego is home to a diverse variety of marine species that stick around all year. This includes several species of dolphins, including Risso's dolphins, white-sided dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and common dolphins. Dolphins are extremely playful and love to put on a show. It is not uncommon for winter tourists to see pods and megapods of dolphins spinning or flipping themselves around while breaching. Seals and sea lions are another intelligent clade of species often sighted on California tours, and these can often be seen basking at the water's edge. Certain rare species cannot be said to inhabit California year-round, but are awesome nonetheless. Killer whales, for example, are uncommon in San Diego, but those that do appear form memorable experiences for viewers.

Reduced Crowds 

In the middle of a pandemic, reduced crows are an important consideration for those looking to experience the outdoors in a socially distant manner. While whale watching agencies currently have reduced guest maximums, no agency can control conditions onshore. Despite the mildness of San Diego's winters, they are sure to attract fewer visitors than warmer summer months.

For those looking for the best whale watching San Diego has to offer, winter rivals any of the other seasons. From beautiful humpbacks to the largest mammal migration on our planet, you are sure to find something for you and your family to talk about long after your tour.