Best Time to See Dragonflies in Kansas

June, July and August is the best time to see dragonflies in Kansas. Based on 10,328 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when dragonflies are most active across the year in Kansas.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.

Twelve-spotted Skimmer photographed in KansasFamiliar Bluet photographed in KansasStriped Saddlebags photographed in Kansas
Photos by iNaturalist observers, used under Creative Commons.
Best months: June, July, AugustPeak season right now

10,328 verified observations of dragonflies in Kansas, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When dragonflies are recorded in Kansas

Peak month

June

2,944 records (28.5% of the year)

Quietest month

January

3 records

MonthObservationsShare
January30%
February50%
March350.3%
April3863.7%
May7837.6%
Junepeak2,94428.5%
Julypeak2,85027.6%
Augustpeak1,89418.3%
September1,08910.5%
October3032.9%
November300.3%
December60.1%

Dragonflies you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Widow Skimmer902
Common Whitetail838
Eastern Pondhawk679
Blue Dasher482
Blue-fronted Dancer429
Familiar Bluet398
Ebony Jewelwing352
Common Green Darner349

Sightings of dragonflies in Kansas peak in June, when 2,944 of the year's 10,328 verified observations are logged β€” about 28.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, July and August.

The quietest stretch is January, when dragonflies are hardest to find β€” January sees just 3 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 Kansas are Widow Skimmer, Common Whitetail and Eastern Pondhawk β€” 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 Kansas

  • Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail β€” National Historic Trail
  • Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve β€” National Preserve
  • Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park β€” National Historical Park
  • California National Historic Trail β€” National Historic Trail
  • Fort Larned National Historic Site β€” National Historic Site
  • Fort Scott National Historic Site β€” National Historic Site
Plan your tripLewis & Clark National Historic Trail

Plan your dragonfly trip in Kansas

Start with live tours near Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.

Frequently asked questions

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

June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, July and August, based on 10,328 verified iNaturalist observations.

When are dragonflies hardest to see in Kansas?+

January is the quietest month for dragonflies in Kansas, with only 3 verified records.

Are dragonflies active year-round in Kansas?+

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