Best Time to See Monarch Butterflies in California
July, June and May is the best time to see monarch butterflies in California. Based on 61,044 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when monarch butterflies are most active across the year in California.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
61,044 verified observations of monarch butterflies in California, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When monarch butterflies are recorded in California
Peak month
July
7,074 records (11.6% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3,156 | 5.2% |
| February | 2,914 | 4.8% |
| March | 3,611 | 5.9% |
| April | 5,323 | 8.7% |
| Maypeak | 6,056 | 9.9% |
| Junepeak | 6,937 | 11.4% |
| Julypeak | 7,074 | 11.6% |
| August | 5,923 | 9.7% |
| September | 5,611 | 9.2% |
| October | 5,907 | 9.7% |
| November | 4,848 | 7.9% |
| December | 3,684 | 6% |
Monarch Butterflies you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Monarch | 61,044 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in California
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when monarch butterflies are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for monarch butterflies sit around 46 to 94 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 53°F | 31°F | 5.6" |
| Feb | 53°F | 30°F | 4.4" |
| Mar | 55°F | 33°F | 7.3" |
| Apr | 66°F | 40°F | 1.8" |
| Maybest time | 73°F | 46°F | 1.6" |
| Junbest time | 84°F | 55°F | 0.2" |
| Julbest time | 94°F | 62°F | 0" |
| Aug | 93°F | 62°F | 0.3" |
| Sep | 85°F | 57°F | 0.8" |
| Oct | 73°F | 46°F | 1.2" |
| Nov | 61°F | 36°F | 2.3" |
| Dec | 53°F | 33°F | 7.8" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for California. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on monarch butterflies in California:
Sightings of monarch butterflies in California peak in July, when 7,074 of the year's 61,044 verified observations are logged — about 11.6% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, June and May.
The quietest stretch is February, January and March, when monarch butterflies are hardest to find — February sees just 2,914 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The monarch butterflies you are most likely to encounter in California are Monarch — 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 monarch butterflies in California
- Alcatraz Island
- Cabrillo National Monument — National Monument
- Channel Islands National Park — National Park
- Death Valley National Park — National Park
- Devils Postpile National Monument — National Monument
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see monarch butterflies in California?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, June and May, based on 61,044 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are monarch butterflies hardest to see in California?+
February is the quietest month for monarch butterflies in California, with only 2,914 verified records.
Are monarch butterflies active year-round in California?+
Monarch butterflies are recorded in 12 of 12 months in California, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in July.
More places to see monarch butterflies
More wildlife in California