Skjervøy, Norway
Orca and humpback whale · late October – January
Species in this destination
These are the species seen most often. Other whales also appear in this destination, less regularly.
When to go
Sighting probability
The longer the bar, the likelier you are to see whales that month. The dark bar marks the peak of the season.
In short: orca and humpback season in Skjervøy runs from late October to January, and December is the best month.
Skjervøy, in the far north of Norway, gives access to Kvænangen fjord, one of the best places in the world to see orcas and humpback whales feeding together on herring, in the depths of the Arctic winter and with a chance of northern lights the same night.
Every autumn, huge shoals of herring shelter in the fjords of northern Norway, and orcas and humpbacks follow them to the coast. The season runs from late October to January, with December the busiest month; by late January the herring usually head back out to sea and the whales disperse.
Watching ethics
Whale watching here depends entirely on where the herring are that winter, so local operators share sighting information day by day rather than following a fixed route. Choose operators that respect the approach distance recommended by the Norwegian authorities, especially around orca groups with calves.
Practical tips
- Book ahead for December, the month with the most whales and also the most visitors.
- Bring technical layers for extreme cold: trips take place in the depths of the Arctic winter, with sub-zero temperatures.
- Whale presence changes from year to year with the movements of the herring; check the current season before booking.
- The few hours of daylight limit when boats can go out: check exact times with each operator.
- Combine the trip with northern lights watching, very likely in the same area and at the same time of year.
Frequently asked questions
When can you see orcas in Norway?
In northern Norway, from late October to January, when orcas and humpbacks follow the herring into the fjords. In Skjervøy, December is the peak month; by late January the herring moves back out to sea and the whales disperse.
Which whales can you see in Skjervøy?
Orcas and humpback whales, often feeding together on herring in the Kvænangen fjord.
Is the whale season in Skjervøy the same every year?
No. It depends on where the herring is that winter, so it changes from year to year: check the current season before booking.
Can I see the northern lights on the same trip?
Yes, they are very likely in the same area at the same time of year, so you can combine them with a whale trip.
What should I wear to see orcas in Norway in winter?
Technical extreme-cold layers: trips run in the middle of the Arctic winter, below freezing. Also keep in mind the short daylight hours, which limit when boats can go out.
Subscriber information
Everything you need to plan the perfect outing.
- Month-by-month sighting probability, with notes on each period
- Recommended departure points and which traveler profile fits each one
- Verified operators, with information on each one
- Combinable activities in the area
- Full guide downloadable as a PDF, ready to take on your phone
Would you like to see whales in Skjervøy?
Tell us when and how you'd like to go, and we'll put you in touch with the operators and agencies we recommend.