Best Time to See Dragonflies in Minnesota
June, July and August is the best time to see dragonflies in Minnesota. Based on 43,459 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when dragonflies are most active across the year in Minnesota.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
St. Croix Snaketail · Public domain CC0
Twelve-spotted Skimmer · earl woolsey CC BY
Ebony Jewelwing · Public domain CC0
43,459 verified observations of dragonflies in Minnesota, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When dragonflies are recorded in Minnesota
Peak month
June
17,259 records (39.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 18 | 0% |
| February | 18 | 0% |
| March | 26 | 0.1% |
| April | 325 | 0.7% |
| May | 3,675 | 8.5% |
| Junepeak | 17,259 | 39.7% |
| Julypeak | 11,840 | 27.2% |
| Augustpeak | 5,894 | 13.6% |
| September | 3,447 | 7.9% |
| October | 888 | 2% |
| November | 60 | 0.1% |
| December | 9 | 0% |
Dragonflies you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Autumn Meadowhawk | 2,264 |
| Eastern Forktail | 2,246 |
| Common Green Darner | 2,079 |
| Widow Skimmer | 1,866 |
| Twelve-spotted Skimmer | 1,833 |
| Common Whitetail | 1,711 |
| White-faced Meadowhawk | 1,526 |
| Chalk-fronted Corporal | 1,519 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Minnesota
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when dragonflies are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for dragonflies sit around 58 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 20°F | 5°F | 1" |
| Feb | 20°F | 2°F | 1" |
| Mar | 37°F | 19°F | 1.9" |
| Apr | 48°F | 30°F | 2.9" |
| May | 64°F | 44°F | 2.6" |
| Junbest time | 77°F | 58°F | 2.6" |
| Julbest time | 79°F | 62°F | 4.6" |
| Augbest time | 77°F | 61°F | 3.8" |
| Sep | 70°F | 54°F | 3.6" |
| Oct | 53°F | 40°F | 2.7" |
| Nov | 38°F | 25°F | 1.8" |
| Dec | 27°F | 14°F | 2.5" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Minnesota. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on dragonflies in Minnesota:
Sightings of dragonflies in Minnesota peak in June, when 17,259 of the year's 43,459 verified observations are logged — about 39.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, July and August.
The quietest stretch is December, when dragonflies are hardest to find — December sees just 9 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 Minnesota are Autumn Meadowhawk, Eastern Forktail and Common Green Darner — 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 Minnesota
- Grand Portage National Monument — National Monument
- Mississippi National River & Recreation Area — National River & Recreation Area
- North Country National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Pipestone National Monument — National Monument
- Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway — National Scenic Riverway
- Voyageurs National Park — National Park
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see dragonflies in Minnesota?+
June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, July and August, based on 43,459 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are dragonflies hardest to see in Minnesota?+
December is the quietest month for dragonflies in Minnesota, with only 9 verified records.
Are dragonflies active year-round in Minnesota?+
Dragonflies are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Minnesota, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in June.
More places to see dragonflies
More wildlife in Minnesota