Best Time to See Dragonflies in Oregon
July, June and August is the best time to see dragonflies in Oregon. Based on 41,214 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when dragonflies are most active across the year in Oregon.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
Ocellated Emerald · Melissa McMasters CC BY
Blue Dasher · Sorrel CC BY
Flame Skimmer · sprcrkwild CC BY
41,214 verified observations of dragonflies in Oregon, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When dragonflies are recorded in Oregon
Peak month
July
11,721 records (28.4% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 16 | 0% |
| February | 30 | 0.1% |
| March | 110 | 0.3% |
| April | 891 | 2.2% |
| May | 4,395 | 10.7% |
| Junepeak | 9,657 | 23.4% |
| Julypeak | 11,721 | 28.4% |
| Augustpeak | 8,535 | 20.7% |
| September | 3,973 | 9.6% |
| October | 1,734 | 4.2% |
| November | 137 | 0.3% |
| December | 15 | 0% |
Dragonflies you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Pacific Forktail | 2,699 |
| Eight-spotted Skimmer | 2,092 |
| Common Whitetail | 2,062 |
| Striped Meadowhawk | 1,767 |
| Tule Bluet | 1,676 |
| Vivid Dancer | 1,432 |
| Blue Dasher | 1,427 |
| Cardinal Meadowhawk | 1,348 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Oregon
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 48 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39°F | 26°F | 2" |
| Feb | 38°F | 22°F | 2.4" |
| Mar | 43°F | 25°F | 1.9" |
| Apr | 52°F | 32°F | 2.2" |
| May | 61°F | 40°F | 2" |
| Junbest time | 71°F | 48°F | 1.1" |
| Julbest time | 83°F | 56°F | 0.1" |
| Augbest time | 81°F | 56°F | 0.4" |
| Sep | 71°F | 47°F | 1.2" |
| Oct | 58°F | 37°F | 1.2" |
| Nov | 45°F | 28°F | 2.3" |
| Dec | 37°F | 25°F | 2.4" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Oregon. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on dragonflies in Oregon:
Sightings of dragonflies in Oregon peak in July, when 11,721 of the year's 41,214 verified observations are logged — about 28.4% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, June and August.
The quietest stretch is December and January, when dragonflies are hardest to find — December sees just 15 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 Oregon are Pacific Forktail, Eight-spotted Skimmer and Common Whitetail — 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 Oregon
- Crater Lake National Park — National Park
- Fort Vancouver National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Lewis and Clark National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Nez Perce National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve — National Monument & Preserve
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see dragonflies in Oregon?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, June and August, based on 41,214 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are dragonflies hardest to see in Oregon?+
December is the quietest month for dragonflies in Oregon, with only 15 verified records.
Are dragonflies active year-round in Oregon?+
Dragonflies are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Oregon, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in July.
More places to see dragonflies
More wildlife in Oregon