Best Time to See Monarch Butterflies in Minnesota
August, July and June is the best time to see monarch butterflies in Minnesota. Based on 9,572 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when monarch butterflies 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.
9,572 verified observations of monarch butterflies in Minnesota, recorded across 9 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When monarch butterflies are recorded in Minnesota
Peak month
August
2,824 records (29.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 1 | 0% |
| April | 3 | 0% |
| May | 268 | 2.8% |
| Junepeak | 2,071 | 21.6% |
| Julypeak | 2,759 | 28.8% |
| Augustpeak | 2,824 | 29.5% |
| September | 1,462 | 15.3% |
| October | 183 | 1.9% |
| November | 1 | 0% |
| December | 0 | 0% |
Monarch Butterflies you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Monarch | 9,572 |
Sightings of monarch butterflies in Minnesota peak in August, when 2,824 of the year's 9,572 verified observations are logged — about 29.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through August, July and June.
The quietest stretch is January, February and December, when monarch butterflies are hardest to find — no verified records exist for January. 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 Minnesota 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 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
Plan your monarch butterfly trip in Minnesota
Start with live tours near Grand Portage National Monument, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Grand Portage National Monument
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 Grand Portage National Monument
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best monarch butterfly viewing area in Minnesota.
Viator
Broader backupBook a monarch butterfly tour in Minnesota
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 Minnesota?+
August is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through August, July and June, based on 9,572 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are monarch butterflies hardest to see in Minnesota?+
January is the quietest month for monarch butterflies in Minnesota, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are monarch butterflies active year-round in Minnesota?+
Monarch butterflies are recorded in 9 of 12 months in Minnesota, concentrated around August and July.
More wildlife in Minnesota