Best Time to See Monarch Butterflies in Hawaii
January, February and December is the best time to see monarch butterflies in Hawaii. Based on 1,837 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when monarch butterflies are most active across the year in Hawaii.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
1,837 verified observations of monarch butterflies in Hawaii, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When monarch butterflies are recorded in Hawaii
Peak month
January
375 records (20.4% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 375 | 20.4% |
| Februarypeak | 243 | 13.2% |
| March | 215 | 11.7% |
| April | 160 | 8.7% |
| May | 151 | 8.2% |
| June | 106 | 5.8% |
| July | 60 | 3.3% |
| August | 63 | 3.4% |
| September | 48 | 2.6% |
| October | 61 | 3.3% |
| November | 117 | 6.4% |
| Decemberpeak | 238 | 13% |
Monarch Butterflies you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Monarch | 1,837 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Hawaii
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 56 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Janbest time | 69°F | 57°F | 8.6" |
| Febbest time | 68°F | 56°F | 15.6" |
| Mar | 70°F | 57°F | 11.5" |
| Apr | 71°F | 58°F | 15.1" |
| May | 72°F | 59°F | 17.2" |
| Jun | 74°F | 61°F | 18.8" |
| Jul | 76°F | 62°F | 18.1" |
| Aug | 76°F | 62°F | 16" |
| Sep | 76°F | 62°F | 19.4" |
| Oct | 75°F | 62°F | 11.3" |
| Nov | 73°F | 60°F | 10" |
| Decbest time | 71°F | 58°F | 13.7" |
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 monarch butterflies in Hawaii:
Sightings of monarch butterflies in Hawaii peak in January, when 375 of the year's 1,837 verified observations are logged — about 20.4% of the annual total. Activity stays high through January, February and December.
The quietest stretch is September, July and October, when monarch butterflies are hardest to find — September sees just 48 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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii
- Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park — National Park
- Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Haleakalā National Park — National Park
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see monarch butterflies in Hawaii?+
January is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through January, February and December, based on 1,837 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are monarch butterflies hardest to see in Hawaii?+
September is the quietest month for monarch butterflies in Hawaii, with only 48 verified records.
Are monarch butterflies active year-round in Hawaii?+
Monarch butterflies are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Hawaii, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in January.
More places to see monarch butterflies
More wildlife in Hawaii