Best Time to See Dragonflies in Hawaii

June, May and October is the best time to see dragonflies in Hawaii. Based on 2,723 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when dragonflies are most active across the year in Hawaii.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.

Kauai Mountain Damselfly photographed in Hawaii

Kauai Mountain Damselfly · Nick Block CC BY

Alakai Swamp Damselfly photographed in Hawaii

Alakai Swamp Damselfly · nmoorhatch CC BY

Slender Kauai Damselfly photographed in Hawaii

Slender Kauai Damselfly · Public domain CC0

Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Best months: June, May, October

2,723 verified observations of dragonflies in Hawaii, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When dragonflies are recorded in Hawaii

Peak month

June

312 records (11.5% of the year)

Quietest month

November

161 records

MonthObservationsShare
January2147.9%
February1636%
March2017.4%
April2258.3%
Maypeak28110.3%
Junepeak31211.5%
July2428.9%
August2378.7%
September2368.7%
Octoberpeak2549.3%
November1615.9%
December1977.2%

Dragonflies you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Rambur's Forktail380
Roseate Skimmer246
Scarlet Skimmer234
Wandering Glider222
Common Green Darner213
Giant Hawaiian Darner122
Slender Kauai Damselfly114
Hawaiian Upland Damselfly86

Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo

Typical weather in Hawaii

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 59 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.

MonthAvg highAvg lowRain
Jan69°F57°F8.6"
Feb68°F56°F15.6"
Mar70°F57°F11.5"
Apr71°F58°F15.1"
Maybest time72°F59°F17.2"
Junbest time74°F61°F18.8"
Jul76°F62°F18.1"
Aug76°F62°F16"
Sep76°F62°F19.4"
Octbest time75°F62°F11.3"
Nov73°F60°F10"
Dec71°F58°F13.7"

Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Hawaii. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.

More on dragonflies in Hawaii:

Sightings of dragonflies in Hawaii peak in June, when 312 of the year's 2,723 verified observations are logged — about 11.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, May and October.

The quietest stretch is November, February and December, when dragonflies are hardest to find — November sees just 161 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 Hawaii are Rambur's Forktail, Roseate Skimmer and Scarlet Skimmer — 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 Hawaii

  • Ala Kahakai National Historic TrailNational Historic Trail
  • Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National ParkNational Park
  • Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical ParkNational Historical Park
  • Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical ParkNational Historical Park
  • Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic SiteNational Historic Site
  • Haleakalā National ParkNational Park

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to see dragonflies in Hawaii?+

June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, May and October, based on 2,723 verified iNaturalist observations.

When are dragonflies hardest to see in Hawaii?+

November is the quietest month for dragonflies in Hawaii, with only 161 verified records.

Are dragonflies active year-round in Hawaii?+

Dragonflies are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Hawaii, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in June.