Monarch Butterflies in Alabama in September

Yes, September is one of the best months to see monarch butterflies in Alabama. It is the 2nd busiest month of the year, with 452 of the 2,031 sightings logged across the year (22.3%), based on verified iNaturalist records.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.

Monarch photographed in AlabamaMonarch photographed in AlabamaMonarch photographed in Alabama
Photos by iNaturalist observers, used under Creative Commons.

Peak month for monarch butterflies in Alabama

22.3%

of yearly sightings

452

records in September

#2

busiest month of 12

2,031

verified records a year

August 11.5%, September 22.3%, October 33.8%. Busiest month is October at 33.8%.

Best months: October, September, August

2,031 verified observations of monarch butterflies in Alabama, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When monarch butterflies are recorded in Alabama

Peak month

October

687 records (33.8% of the year)

Quietest month

January

15 records

MonthObservationsShare
January150.7%
February150.7%
March371.8%
April1597.8%
May834.1%
June633.1%
July663.2%
Augustpeak23411.5%
Septemberpeak45222.3%
Octoberpeak68733.8%
November1698.3%
December512.5%

Monarch Butterflies you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Monarch2,031

In Alabama, September carries 22.3% of the year's monarch butterflies sightings, about 14 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 2nd busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.

Activity is rising from August (11.5%) into September, and it heads toward October (33.8%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so September is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.

The monarch butterflies most often recorded in Alabama are Monarch. Those counts are annual totals rather than a September split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in September itself.

Which monarch butterflies you are most likely to see

  • Monarch2,031 records
Plan your tripHorseshoe Bend National Military Park

Plan your monarch butterfly trip in Alabama

Start with live tours near Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.

Frequently asked questions

Can you see monarch butterflies in Alabama in September?+

Yes. September accounts for 452 of the 2,031 verified monarch butterflies sightings logged in Alabama across the year, which is 22.3% of the annual total.

Is September a good time to see monarch butterflies in Alabama?+

September is one of the best months. It ranks 2nd of the year and sits inside the peak window of October, September and August.

What month is best for monarch butterflies in Alabama?+

October is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through October, September and August, based on 2,031 verified observations.

Which monarch butterflies are you most likely to see in Alabama?+

The most-recorded species in Alabama are Monarch, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.