WATCH: Increased sightings of humpback whales seen around UK coast in 2025
Humpback whales can usually only be seen near the UK's coast in the first few months of the year, but there has been an increased number of sightings in 2025.
Numerous videos have been shared on social media platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter) and TikTok, showing the sea creatures breaking out of the ocean relatively near the UK's shoreline.
The humpback whale's migration season usually runs from around December to March, which is why they can sometimes be seen this time of year.
However, according to Oceanographic, there has been surprise at the increasing number of humpback whale sightings throughout the winter months.
Humpback whales are most commonly seen in the waters near Cornwall, but there have also been sightings near Sussex, the English Channel and Kent this year.
Between December 29 and January 8, the Isles of Scilly reported 17 sightings while the Sussex Dolphin Project reported 26 sightings between November and January.
Humpback whales tend to reach around 49 to 52 feet in length, so can make for an impressive sight when they emerge from the water.
However, despite it being an impressive thing to take in, the increase might not necessarily be a good sign.
Incredible moment a whale was spotted off the Margate coast today. It was spotted by crew of the Cwind Tempest heading out to the Kentish flats windfarm. Captain Jon Gosman said "It Made my day. We see alot out here but this is a special sight" #humpback #whale #whales #margate pic.twitter.com/QQCKS8QEJU
— Get Wild 🐦 🦋 🐝 🍃 (@mitchellsnik) February 26, 2025
Researchers believe the increase could be an indication of changing food availability due to a warming ocean.
Ruth Williams, head of marine conservation for the Wildlife Trusts, said in a comment to The Guardian: 'We're seeing a lot of bait fish – smaller fish like anchovies – around the south west coasts.
"They are very quick reproductively, and with climate change their stocks are moving up closer to our waters.'
The whales migrate from their feeding grounds near Tromsø, Norway, to warmer waters around the Cape Verde islands, where they rest and breed.
Traditionally, the whales move around the western side of Britain but some are now swimming down the east coast and through the Strait of Dover.
The warmer oceans are possibly causing a more northerly distribution of prey which could explain their change in route.
To not disturb the whales, people are encouraged to keep their distance.
Recommended reading:
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Minke whales and killer whales can sometimes be seen off the coast of the UK but are rare overall.
Dolphins and seals are more common around various parts of the coast during a lot of the year.
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