Best Time to See Dragonflies in Pennsylvania
June, July and August is the best time to see dragonflies in Pennsylvania. Based on 32,494 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when dragonflies are most active across the year in Pennsylvania.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Azure Bluet · Steven Lamonde CC BY
Blue Dasher · Daniel McClosky CC BY
Eastern Amberwing · William J. Deml CC BY
32,494 verified observations of dragonflies in Pennsylvania, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When dragonflies are recorded in Pennsylvania
Peak month
June
10,371 records (31.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 14 | 0% |
| February | 15 | 0% |
| March | 71 | 0.2% |
| April | 502 | 1.5% |
| May | 2,778 | 8.5% |
| Junepeak | 10,371 | 31.9% |
| Julypeak | 9,831 | 30.3% |
| Augustpeak | 5,530 | 17% |
| September | 2,265 | 7% |
| October | 797 | 2.5% |
| November | 309 | 1% |
| December | 11 | 0% |
Dragonflies you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Ebony Jewelwing | 2,689 |
| Common Whitetail | 2,329 |
| Blue Dasher | 2,142 |
| Eastern Pondhawk | 1,483 |
| Widow Skimmer | 1,359 |
| Fragile Forktail | 1,221 |
| Autumn Meadowhawk | 1,085 |
| Eastern Forktail | 1,080 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Pennsylvania
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 59 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 38°F | 23°F | 3.1" |
| Feb | 41°F | 23°F | 3.6" |
| Mar | 50°F | 31°F | 3.3" |
| Apr | 60°F | 40°F | 4.1" |
| May | 70°F | 49°F | 4.1" |
| Junbest time | 79°F | 59°F | 3.9" |
| Julbest time | 86°F | 65°F | 3.2" |
| Augbest time | 84°F | 64°F | 4.3" |
| Sep | 75°F | 57°F | 3.9" |
| Oct | 64°F | 47°F | 4" |
| Nov | 51°F | 35°F | 2.4" |
| Dec | 43°F | 29°F | 4.3" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Pennsylvania. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of dragonflies in Pennsylvania peak in June, when 10,371 of the year's 32,494 verified observations are logged — about 31.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, July and August.
The quietest stretch is December, January and February, when dragonflies are hardest to find — December sees just 11 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 Pennsylvania are Ebony Jewelwing, Common Whitetail 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 Pennsylvania
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Chesapeake Bay
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Fort Necessity National Battlefield — National Battlefield
- Friendship Hill National Historic Site — National Historic Site
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see dragonflies in Pennsylvania?+
June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, July and August, based on 32,494 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are dragonflies hardest to see in Pennsylvania?+
December is the quietest month for dragonflies in Pennsylvania, with only 11 verified records.
Are dragonflies active year-round in Pennsylvania?+
Dragonflies are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Pennsylvania, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in June.
More places to see dragonflies
More wildlife in Pennsylvania