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 |
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
Plan your monarch butterfly trip in California
Start with live tours near Alcatraz Island, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Alcatraz Island
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main monarch butterfly viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Alcatraz Island
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best monarch butterfly viewing area in California.
Viator
Broader backupBook a monarch butterfly tour in California
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
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 wildlife in California