Best Time to See Monarch Butterflies in Colorado
August, September and July is the best time to see monarch butterflies in Colorado. Based on 2,402 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when monarch butterflies are most active across the year in Colorado.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
2,402 verified observations of monarch butterflies in Colorado, recorded across 9 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When monarch butterflies are recorded in Colorado
Peak month
August
710 records (29.6% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 2 | 0.1% |
| March | 0 | 0% |
| April | 3 | 0.1% |
| May | 16 | 0.7% |
| June | 163 | 6.8% |
| Julypeak | 566 | 23.6% |
| Augustpeak | 710 | 29.6% |
| Septemberpeak | 590 | 24.6% |
| October | 328 | 13.7% |
| November | 24 | 1% |
| December | 0 | 0% |
Monarch Butterflies you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Monarch | 2,402 |
Sightings of monarch butterflies in Colorado peak in August, when 710 of the year's 2,402 verified observations are logged — about 29.6% of the annual total. Activity stays high through August, September and July.
The quietest stretch is January, March and December, when monarch butterflies are hardest to find — no verified records exist for January. 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 Colorado 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 Colorado
- Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park — National Park
- Colorado National Monument — National Monument
- Curecanti National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Dinosaur National Monument — National Monument
- Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve — National Park & Preserve
Plan your monarch butterfly trip in Colorado
Start with live tours near Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main monarch butterfly viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best monarch butterfly viewing area in Colorado.
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Broader backupBook a monarch butterfly tour in Colorado
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 Colorado?+
August is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through August, September and July, based on 2,402 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are monarch butterflies hardest to see in Colorado?+
January is the quietest month for monarch butterflies in Colorado, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are monarch butterflies active year-round in Colorado?+
Monarch butterflies are recorded in 9 of 12 months in Colorado, concentrated around August and September.
More wildlife in Colorado