Monarch Butterflies in North Dakota in September
Yes, September is a good month to see monarch butterflies in North Dakota. It is the 4th busiest month of the year, with 69 of the 474 sightings logged across the year (14.6%), 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 July 2, 2026.
Good month for monarch butterflies in North Dakota
14.6%
of yearly sightings
69
records in September
#4
busiest month of 12
474
verified records a year
August 32.9%, September 14.6%, October 3%. Busiest month is August at 32.9%.
474 verified observations of monarch butterflies in North Dakota, recorded across 7 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When monarch butterflies are recorded in North Dakota
Peak month
August
156 records (32.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 0 | 0% |
| April | 0 | 0% |
| May | 8 | 1.7% |
| Junepeak | 118 | 24.9% |
| Julypeak | 108 | 22.8% |
| Augustpeak | 156 | 32.9% |
| September | 69 | 14.6% |
| October | 14 | 3% |
| November | 1 | 0.2% |
| December | 0 | 0% |
Monarch Butterflies you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Monarch | 474 |
In North Dakota, September carries 14.6% of the year's monarch butterflies sightings, about 6.3 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 4th busiest of the twelve months, out of 7 months with recorded activity.
Activity is easing off from August (32.9%) into September, and it heads toward October (3%) after. The busiest month is August (32.9%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The monarch butterflies most often recorded in North Dakota are Monarch. Those counts are annual totals rather than a September split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in September itself.
Which monarch butterflies you are most likely to see
- Monarch474 records
Plan your monarch butterfly trip in North Dakota
Start with live tours near Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
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Live tours nearbySee live tours near Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main monarch butterfly viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best monarch butterfly viewing area in North Dakota.
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Broader backupBook a monarch butterfly tour in North Dakota
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 Dakota in September?+
Yes. September accounts for 69 of the 474 verified monarch butterflies sightings logged in North Dakota across the year, which is 14.6% of the annual total.
Is September a good time to see monarch butterflies in North Dakota?+
September is the 4th busiest month. It is workable, though August and June is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for monarch butterflies in North Dakota?+
August is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through August, June and July, based on 474 verified observations.
Which monarch butterflies are you most likely to see in North Dakota?+
The most-recorded species in North Dakota are Monarch, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See monarch butterflies in North Dakota in other months
More wildlife in North Dakota