Beluga whales are entirely arctic and subarctic. They inhabit the Arctic Ocean and its adjoining seas, including the Sea of Okhotsk, the Bering Sea, the Gulf of Alaska, the Beaufort Sea, Baffin Bay, Hudson Bay, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

During certain times of the year belugas can be found in large rivers such as the Amur River of Russia, and the Yukon and St. Lawrence rivers of Canada. Belugas have been found 1,995 km (1,240 mi.) up the Amur River, and 965 km (600 mi.) up the Yukon.

Belugas swim among icebergs and ice floes in the icy waters of the arctic and subarctic, where water temperatures may be as low as 0 ºC (32 ºF).

Belugas are generally found in shallow coastal waters, often in water barely deep enough to cover their bodies. They may also frequent deeper waters.

In the summer many populations are found in warm-water estuaries and river basins.

Belugas seem to be well adapted to both a cold ocean habitat and a warmer freshwater habitat.

Some beluga populations make seasonal migrations while others remain in a relatively small area year-round.

Environmental conditions determine migration behavior.

The world population of beluga whales is estimated to be about 60,000 to 80,000.