Best Time to See Monarch Butterflies in Maryland
August, September and July is the best time to see monarch butterflies in Maryland. Based on 10,370 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when monarch butterflies are most active across the year in Maryland.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
10,370 verified observations of monarch butterflies in Maryland, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When monarch butterflies are recorded in Maryland
Peak month
August
3,853 records (37.2% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5 | 0% |
| February | 6 | 0.1% |
| March | 5 | 0% |
| April | 82 | 0.8% |
| May | 239 | 2.3% |
| June | 690 | 6.7% |
| Julypeak | 1,691 | 16.3% |
| Augustpeak | 3,853 | 37.2% |
| Septemberpeak | 2,763 | 26.6% |
| October | 942 | 9.1% |
| November | 91 | 0.9% |
| December | 3 | 0% |
Monarch Butterflies you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Monarch | 10,370 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Maryland
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 62 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 44°F | 30°F | 3.3" |
| Feb | 48°F | 31°F | 3.9" |
| Mar | 56°F | 37°F | 3.9" |
| Apr | 66°F | 45°F | 4.7" |
| May | 73°F | 54°F | 4.7" |
| Jun | 83°F | 64°F | 5.4" |
| Julbest time | 89°F | 70°F | 7.3" |
| Augbest time | 85°F | 69°F | 7.6" |
| Sepbest time | 79°F | 62°F | 4.9" |
| Oct | 69°F | 52°F | 4.9" |
| Nov | 56°F | 40°F | 3.2" |
| Dec | 49°F | 34°F | 4.8" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Maryland. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on monarch butterflies in Maryland:
Sightings of monarch butterflies in Maryland peak in August, when 3,853 of the year's 10,370 verified observations are logged — about 37.2% of the annual total. Activity stays high through August, September and July.
The quietest stretch is December, when monarch butterflies are hardest to find — December sees just 3 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 Maryland 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 Maryland
- Antietam National Battlefield — National Battlefield
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Assateague Island National Seashore — National Seashore
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Chesapeake Bay
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see monarch butterflies in Maryland?+
August is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through August, September and July, based on 10,370 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are monarch butterflies hardest to see in Maryland?+
December is the quietest month for monarch butterflies in Maryland, with only 3 verified records.
Are monarch butterflies active year-round in Maryland?+
Monarch butterflies are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Maryland, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in August.
More places to see monarch butterflies
More wildlife in Maryland