Monarch Butterflies in Maryland in July

Yes, July is one of the best months to see monarch butterflies in Maryland. It is the 3rd busiest month of the year, with 1,691 of the 10,370 sightings logged across the year (16.3%), based on verified iNaturalist records.

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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.

Monarch photographed in MarylandMonarch photographed in MarylandMonarch photographed in Maryland
Photos by iNaturalist observers, used under Creative Commons.

Peak month for monarch butterflies in Maryland

16.3%

of yearly sightings

1,691

records in July

#3

busiest month of 12

10,370

verified records a year

June 6.7%, July 16.3%, August 37.2%. Busiest month is August at 37.2%.

Best months: August, September, JulyPeak season right now

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)

Quietest month

December

3 records

MonthObservationsShare
January50%
February60.1%
March50%
April820.8%
May2392.3%
June6906.7%
Julypeak1,69116.3%
Augustpeak3,85337.2%
Septemberpeak2,76326.6%
October9429.1%
November910.9%
December30%

Monarch Butterflies you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Monarch10,370

In Maryland, July carries 16.3% of the year's monarch butterflies sightings, about 8 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 3rd busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.

Activity is rising from June (6.7%) into July, and it heads toward August (37.2%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so July is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.

The monarch butterflies most often recorded in Maryland are Monarch. Those counts are annual totals rather than a July split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in July itself.

Which monarch butterflies you are most likely to see

  • Monarch10,370 records
Plan your tripAntietam National Battlefield

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.

Frequently asked questions

Can you see monarch butterflies in Maryland in July?+

Yes. July accounts for 1,691 of the 10,370 verified monarch butterflies sightings logged in Maryland across the year, which is 16.3% of the annual total.

Is July a good time to see monarch butterflies in Maryland?+

July is one of the best months. It ranks 3rd of the year and sits inside the peak window of August, September and July.

What month is best for monarch butterflies in Maryland?+

August is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through August, September and July, based on 10,370 verified observations.

Which monarch butterflies are you most likely to see in Maryland?+

The most-recorded species in Maryland are Monarch, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.