When is the Best Time to See Bioluminescence in Florida (2026)
Check the information below for the best times and dates to see bioluminescence. Most people try to come in the weekend before or after the new moon. We call these the "Dark Skies" nights.
Keep in mind that we do amazing bioluminescence tours every night of the year, and the moon rarely prevents us from seeing glowing plankton or jellies.
This 2026 Bioluminescence Moon Calendar is designed to help you choose the best possible dates for the brightest, most vivid bioluminescent experience.
Teal = dark skies week 🌌
Bold date = new moon night🌑
Orange = full moon 🌕
Darker skies = brighter bioluminescence ✨
2026 Bioluminescence New Moon Calendar
This 2026 Bioluminescence Moon Calendar is designed to help you choose the best possible dates for the brightest, most vivid bioluminescent experience.
Bright Bioluminescence - Dark Skies Week 2026
Winter Bioluminescent Comb Jellies
Comb Jellies are glowing sea creatures that light up as you paddle through the water. They are amazing to see. Guides catch them in a net so you can experience them up close. These bioluminescent sea creatures are some of the oldest life forms on Earth - dating back to the Jurassic era. A "Must See" Florida phenomenon!
January: 11-25
You will see bioluminescent comb jellies during this month as it is getting cold in Florida.
Book - Best Tour for January: Sunset Tour
February: 10-24
You will see bioluminescent comb jellies during this month as it is colder in Florida.
Book - Best Tour for February: Sunset Tour
March: 11-25
You will see bioluminescent comb jellies during this month as it is still cold in Florida. Perfect for Things to do during Spring Break!
Book - Best Tour for March: Sunset Tour
April: 10-24
You will see bioluminescent comb jellies and some dinoflagellates due to it warming up!
Book - Best Tour for April: Sunset Tour
October: 18-23
You will see both summer dinoflagellates and bioluminescent comb jellies during this month as it is still very warm in Florida. The end of October gets colder.
Book - Best Tour for October: Sunset Tour
November: 16-21
Many Comb Jellies are visible during the New Moon Week. This year it will be around Thanksgiving Break, so Book early to save your spot!
Book - Best Tour for November: Raft or Sunset Tour
December: 16-21
Perfect Florida Adventure for your Christmas Holiday! Comb Jellies are very visible. Try a Clear Kayaking Tour to see the natural glow of the holidays!
Book - Best Tour for June: Clear Kayaks
Summer Tours - Best Dates
Summer tours are open NOW! These are the best viewing dates for summer bioluminescence tours in Florida. In Summer you will see bioluminescent plankton called Dinoflagellates. These sell out months in advance, grab your tickets today!
May: 9-23
New Moon Week - Expect Rain Delays for Afternoon Showers. Weekend Tours Sell Out Quickly.
Book - Best Tour for May: Clear Kayaks
June: 7-21
New Moon Week - Expect Rain Delays for Afternoon Showers. Bright Bioluminescence. Weekend Tours Sell Out Quickly.
Book - Best Tour for June: Clear Kayaks
July: 7-21
Brightest Bioluminescence - All Weekend Tours Sell Out. Bioluminescence is Visible Every Night, Even Full Moon. Try a Midnight Madness Tour - Fun!
Book - Best Tour for July: All Tours
August: 5-19
Brightest Bioluminescence - All Weekend Tours Sell Out. Bioluminescence is Visible Every Night, Even Full Moon. Florida kids go back to school in August, so Weekends are Slightly Less Crowded than July.
Book - Best Tour for August: All Tours
September: 3-17
Bright Bioluminescence - New Moon Weekend Tours Sell Out. Bioluminescence is Visible Every Night, Even Full Moon. Less Crowded than Other Summer Months as All Children/College Kids are Back to School.
Book - Best Tour for September: Sunset Tour
These dates are recommendations. Wildlife cannot be guaranteed in nature. Information is based on historical data.
When Is the Best Time to See Bioluminescence in Florida?
The best time to see bioluminescence is during Dark Skies Week, with the absolute peak occurring on the New Moon night each month.
While bioluminescence may still be present outside of these dates, the glow will appear noticeably brighter and more consistent during darker moon phases.
If you want the “wow” factor — book around the new moon.
Is Bioluminescence Seasonal in Florida?
Bioluminescence occurs year-round in Florida, but what you see can vary by season:
- Winter Months: Comb jellies dominate, creating sparkling trails and glowing orbs in the water.
- Summer Months: Dinoflagellates are most active, producing explosive blue flashes with movement.
No matter the season, dark skies dramatically enhance the experience
Why We Recommend Booking Early
New moon and dark skies week tours:
- Sell out faster than any other dates
- Are limited by group size for safety and quality
- Offer the highest guest satisfaction
Booking early ensures you secure the best moon phase for your visit.
Planning Tips for the Best Glow Experience
- Choose new moon or dark skies dates whenever possible
- Avoid full moon weeks if glow intensity is your top priority
- Check weather forecasts, the cloud cover can improve visibility during brighter moon phases
- Book guided tours with experienced naturalists like BK Adventure for optimal locations and timing
Ready to See the Glow?
Use the 2026 Bioluminescence Moon Calendar above to plan your visit and book your tour during the best possible conditions.
Whether you’re visiting Florida in winter or summer, timing your adventure with the moon will make all the difference.
The darker the sky — the brighter the glow.
Book A Bioluminescence Tour
