Monarch Butterflies in Maryland in September
Yes, September is one of the best months to see monarch butterflies in Maryland. It is the 2nd busiest month of the year, with 2,763 of the 10,370 sightings logged across the year (26.6%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Peak month for monarch butterflies in Maryland
26.6%
of yearly sightings
2,763
records in September
#2
busiest month of 12
10,370
verified records a year
August 37.2%, September 26.6%, October 9.1%. Busiest month is August at 37.2%.
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 |
In Maryland, September carries 26.6% of the year's monarch butterflies sightings, about 18.3 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 2nd busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is easing off from August (37.2%) into September, and it heads toward October (9.1%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so September 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 September split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in September itself.
Which monarch butterflies you are most likely to see
- Monarch10,370 records
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.
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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
Can you see monarch butterflies in Maryland in September?+
Yes. September accounts for 2,763 of the 10,370 verified monarch butterflies sightings logged in Maryland across the year, which is 26.6% of the annual total.
Is September a good time to see monarch butterflies in Maryland?+
September is one of the best months. It ranks 2nd 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.
See monarch butterflies in Maryland in other months
More wildlife in Maryland