Best Time to See Dragonflies in New Hampshire
June, July and August is the best time to see dragonflies in New Hampshire. Based on 21,631 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when dragonflies are most active across the year in New Hampshire.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
Skillet Clubtail · Steven Lamonde CC BY
Lake Emerald · Nick Block CC BY
Eastern Forktail · Mila C. CC BY
21,631 verified observations of dragonflies in New Hampshire, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When dragonflies are recorded in New Hampshire
Peak month
June
7,109 records (32.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1 | 0% |
| February | 5 | 0% |
| March | 1 | 0% |
| April | 66 | 0.3% |
| May | 2,113 | 9.8% |
| Junepeak | 7,109 | 32.9% |
| Julypeak | 6,632 | 30.7% |
| Augustpeak | 3,617 | 16.7% |
| September | 1,597 | 7.4% |
| October | 370 | 1.7% |
| November | 115 | 0.5% |
| December | 5 | 0% |
Dragonflies you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Chalk-fronted Corporal | 1,039 |
| Autumn Meadowhawk | 977 |
| Blue Dasher | 960 |
| Eastern Forktail | 871 |
| Common Whitetail | 773 |
| Ebony Jewelwing | 675 |
| Slaty Skimmer | 631 |
| Eastern Pondhawk | 578 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in New Hampshire
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 50 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 24°F | 8°F | 4.1" |
| Feb | 25°F | 8°F | 3.6" |
| Mar | 34°F | 18°F | 3.3" |
| Apr | 45°F | 29°F | 5.2" |
| May | 58°F | 40°F | 4.1" |
| Junbest time | 67°F | 50°F | 4.8" |
| Julbest time | 72°F | 57°F | 7.1" |
| Augbest time | 70°F | 56°F | 4.5" |
| Sep | 63°F | 48°F | 4.5" |
| Oct | 53°F | 39°F | 5.6" |
| Nov | 38°F | 24°F | 4.2" |
| Dec | 30°F | 17°F | 6" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for New Hampshire. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of dragonflies in New Hampshire peak in June, when 7,109 of the year's 21,631 verified observations are logged — about 32.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, July and August.
The quietest stretch is January and March, when dragonflies are hardest to find — January sees just 1 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 New Hampshire are Chalk-fronted Corporal, Autumn Meadowhawk and Blue Dasher — 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 New Hampshire
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park — National Historical Park
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see dragonflies in New Hampshire?+
June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, July and August, based on 21,631 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are dragonflies hardest to see in New Hampshire?+
January is the quietest month for dragonflies in New Hampshire, with only 1 verified records.
Are dragonflies active year-round in New Hampshire?+
Dragonflies are recorded in 12 of 12 months in New Hampshire, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in June.
More places to see dragonflies
More wildlife in New Hampshire