Monarch Butterflies in North Carolina in May
Yes, May is a good month to see monarch butterflies in North Carolina. It is the 4th busiest month of the year, with 765 of the 8,449 sightings logged across the year (9.1%), 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.
Good month for monarch butterflies in North Carolina
9.1%
of yearly sightings
765
records in May
#4
busiest month of 12
8,449
verified records a year
April 4.4%, May 9.1%, June 7.1%. Busiest month is September at 29.2%.
8,449 verified observations of monarch butterflies in North Carolina, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When monarch butterflies are recorded in North Carolina
Peak month
September
2,471 records (29.2% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6 | 0.1% |
| February | 4 | 0% |
| March | 18 | 0.2% |
| April | 368 | 4.4% |
| May | 765 | 9.1% |
| June | 602 | 7.1% |
| July | 487 | 5.8% |
| Augustpeak | 1,920 | 22.7% |
| Septemberpeak | 2,471 | 29.2% |
| Octoberpeak | 1,623 | 19.2% |
| November | 180 | 2.1% |
| December | 5 | 0.1% |
Monarch Butterflies you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Monarch | 8,449 |
In North Carolina, May carries 9.1% of the year's monarch butterflies sightings, about 0.8 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 4th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is rising from April (4.4%) into May, and it heads toward June (7.1%) after. The busiest month is September (29.2%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The monarch butterflies most often recorded in North Carolina are Monarch. Those counts are annual totals rather than a May split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in May itself.
Which monarch butterflies you are most likely to see
- Monarch8,449 records
Plan your monarch butterfly trip in North Carolina
Start with live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
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 Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best monarch butterfly viewing area in North Carolina.
Viator
Broader backupBook a monarch butterfly tour in North Carolina
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 North Carolina in May?+
Yes. May accounts for 765 of the 8,449 verified monarch butterflies sightings logged in North Carolina across the year, which is 9.1% of the annual total.
Is May a good time to see monarch butterflies in North Carolina?+
May is the 4th busiest month. It is workable, though September and August is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for monarch butterflies in North Carolina?+
September is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through September, August and October, based on 8,449 verified observations.
Which monarch butterflies are you most likely to see in North Carolina?+
The most-recorded species in North Carolina are Monarch, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See monarch butterflies in North Carolina in other months
More wildlife in North Carolina