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 |
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
Plan your monarch butterfly trip in Maryland
Start with live tours near Antietam National Battlefield, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Antietam National Battlefield
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main monarch butterfly viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Antietam National Battlefield
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best monarch butterfly viewing area in Maryland.
Viator
Broader backupBook a monarch butterfly tour in Maryland
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 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 wildlife in Maryland