Best Time to See Dragonflies in Arizona
September, August and July is the best time to see dragonflies in Arizona. Based on 53,508 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when dragonflies are most active across the year in Arizona.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
Black-tailed Ringtail · Dennis Paulson CC BY
Red-tailed Pennant · Mike Ostrowski CC BY-SA
Malachite Darner · Mike Ostrowski CC BY-SA
53,508 verified observations of dragonflies in Arizona, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When dragonflies are recorded in Arizona
Peak month
September
9,032 records (16.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 335 | 0.6% |
| February | 497 | 0.9% |
| March | 1,504 | 2.8% |
| April | 4,781 | 8.9% |
| May | 5,957 | 11.1% |
| June | 6,722 | 12.6% |
| Julypeak | 7,634 | 14.3% |
| Augustpeak | 8,488 | 15.9% |
| Septemberpeak | 9,032 | 16.9% |
| October | 5,666 | 10.6% |
| November | 2,007 | 3.8% |
| December | 885 | 1.7% |
Dragonflies you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Flame Skimmer | 3,634 |
| Blue Dasher | 3,089 |
| Variegated Meadowhawk | 2,668 |
| Springwater Dancer | 2,311 |
| Familiar Bluet | 2,132 |
| Blue-ringed Dancer | 1,805 |
| Mexican Amberwing | 1,764 |
| Roseate Skimmer | 1,524 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Arizona
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when dragonflies are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for dragonflies sit around 64 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 52°F | 34°F | 1.9" |
| Feb | 52°F | 34°F | 1.9" |
| Mar | 58°F | 39°F | 2.7" |
| Apr | 71°F | 49°F | 0.2" |
| May | 77°F | 56°F | 0.3" |
| Jun | 88°F | 66°F | 0.3" |
| Julbest time | 91°F | 72°F | 2.7" |
| Augbest time | 88°F | 70°F | 2.2" |
| Sepbest time | 84°F | 64°F | 1.4" |
| Oct | 73°F | 52°F | 0.6" |
| Nov | 63°F | 43°F | 1.5" |
| Dec | 53°F | 36°F | 2" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Arizona. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of dragonflies in Arizona peak in September, when 9,032 of the year's 53,508 verified observations are logged — about 16.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through September, August and July.
The quietest stretch is January and February, when dragonflies are hardest to find — January sees just 335 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The dragonflies you are most likely to encounter in Arizona are Flame Skimmer, Blue Dasher and Variegated Meadowhawk — the most-recorded species in the state. Each keeps its own seasonal rhythm, but the month-by-month pattern above reflects every reported sighting together.
Where to go
Best places to see dragonflies in Arizona
- Chiricahua National Monument — National Monument
- Coronado National Memorial — National Memorial
- Fort Bowie National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Grand Canyon National Park — National Park
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Montezuma Castle National Monument — National Monument
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see dragonflies in Arizona?+
September is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through September, August and July, based on 53,508 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are dragonflies hardest to see in Arizona?+
January is the quietest month for dragonflies in Arizona, with only 335 verified records.
Are dragonflies active year-round in Arizona?+
Dragonflies are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Arizona, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in September.
More places to see dragonflies
More wildlife in Arizona