Best Time to See Dragonflies in Missouri
June, July and August is the best time to see dragonflies in Missouri. Based on 16,815 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when dragonflies are most active across the year in Missouri.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
16,815 verified observations of dragonflies in Missouri, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When dragonflies are recorded in Missouri
Peak month
June
4,685 records (27.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 12 | 0.1% |
| February | 10 | 0.1% |
| March | 50 | 0.3% |
| April | 756 | 4.5% |
| May | 2,305 | 13.7% |
| Junepeak | 4,685 | 27.9% |
| Julypeak | 3,844 | 22.9% |
| Augustpeak | 2,974 | 17.7% |
| September | 1,554 | 9.2% |
| October | 535 | 3.2% |
| November | 85 | 0.5% |
| December | 5 | 0% |
Dragonflies you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Common Whitetail | 1,670 |
| Widow Skimmer | 1,215 |
| Eastern Pondhawk | 1,202 |
| Blue Dasher | 1,152 |
| Ebony Jewelwing | 1,031 |
| Springwater Dancer | 555 |
| Eastern Amberwing | 537 |
| Blue-fronted Dancer | 497 |
Sightings of dragonflies in Missouri peak in June, when 4,685 of the year's 16,815 verified observations are logged — about 27.9% 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 5 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 Missouri are Common Whitetail, Widow Skimmer and Eastern Pondhawk — 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 Missouri
- George Washington Carver National Monument — National Monument
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Ozark National Scenic Riverways — National Scenic Riverways
- Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Wilson's Creek National Battlefield — National Battlefield
- Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
Tours and experiences nearby
Booking.com
Stay near George Washington Carver National Monument
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best dragonfly viewing in Missouri.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see dragonflies in Missouri?+
June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, July and August, based on 16,815 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are dragonflies hardest to see in Missouri?+
December is the quietest month for dragonflies in Missouri, with only 5 verified records.
Are dragonflies active year-round in Missouri?+
Dragonflies are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Missouri, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in June.
More places to see dragonflies
More wildlife in Missouri