Best Time to See Monarch Butterflies in Ca
July, August and September is the best time to see monarch butterflies in Ca. Based on 71,057 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when monarch butterflies are most active across the year in Ca.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated August 11, 2026.
71,057 verified observations of monarch butterflies in Canada, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When monarch butterflies are recorded in Canada
Peak month
July
25,825 records (36.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5 | 0% |
| February | 3 | 0% |
| March | 4 | 0% |
| April | 9 | 0% |
| May | 759 | 1.1% |
| June | 5,391 | 7.6% |
| Julypeak | 25,825 | 36.3% |
| Augustpeak | 24,887 | 35% |
| Septemberpeak | 12,243 | 17.2% |
| October | 1,841 | 2.6% |
| November | 86 | 0.1% |
| December | 4 | 0% |
More on monarch butterflies in Canada:
Sightings of monarch butterflies in Canada peak in July, when 25,825 of the year's 71,057 verified observations are logged — about 36.3% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, August and September.
The quietest stretch is February, March and December, when monarch butterflies are hardest to find — February sees just 3 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see monarch butterflies in Canada?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, August and September, based on 71,057 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are monarch butterflies hardest to see in Canada?+
February is the quietest month for monarch butterflies in Canada, with only 3 verified records.
Are monarch butterflies active year-round in Canada?+
Monarch butterflies are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Canada, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in July.
More places to see monarch butterflies
More wildlife in Canada