Dragonflies in Pennsylvania in July

Yes, July is one of the best months to see dragonflies in Pennsylvania. It is the 2nd busiest month of the year, with 9,831 of the 32,494 sightings logged across the year (30.3%), based on verified iNaturalist records.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.

Blue-faced Meadowhawk photographed in PennsylvaniaEastern Amberwing photographed in PennsylvaniaEastern Amberwing photographed in Pennsylvania
Photos by iNaturalist observers, used under Creative Commons.

Peak month for dragonflies in Pennsylvania

30.3%

of yearly sightings

9,831

records in July

#2

busiest month of 12

32,494

verified records a year

June 31.9%, July 30.3%, August 17%. Busiest month is June at 31.9%.

Best months: June, July, AugustPeak season right now

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)

Quietest month

December

11 records

MonthObservationsShare
January140%
February150%
March710.2%
April5021.5%
May2,7788.5%
Junepeak10,37131.9%
Julypeak9,83130.3%
Augustpeak5,53017%
September2,2657%
October7972.5%
November3091%
December110%

Dragonflies you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Ebony Jewelwing2,689
Common Whitetail2,329
Blue Dasher2,142
Eastern Pondhawk1,483
Widow Skimmer1,359
Fragile Forktail1,221
Autumn Meadowhawk1,085
Eastern Forktail1,080

In Pennsylvania, July carries 30.3% of the year's dragonflies sightings, about 22 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 2nd busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.

Activity is easing off from June (31.9%) into July, and it heads toward August (17%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so July is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.

The dragonflies most often recorded in Pennsylvania are Ebony Jewelwing, Common Whitetail and Blue Dasher. Those counts are annual totals rather than a July split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in July itself.

Which dragonflies you are most likely to see

  • Ebony Jewelwing2,689 records
  • Common Whitetail2,329 records
  • Blue Dasher2,142 records
  • Eastern Pondhawk1,483 records
  • Widow Skimmer1,359 records
  • Fragile Forktail1,221 records
Plan your tripAppalachian National Scenic Trail

Plan your dragonfly trip in Pennsylvania

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.

Frequently asked questions

Can you see dragonflies in Pennsylvania in July?+

Yes. July accounts for 9,831 of the 32,494 verified dragonflies sightings logged in Pennsylvania across the year, which is 30.3% of the annual total.

Is July a good time to see dragonflies in Pennsylvania?+

July is one of the best months. It ranks 2nd of the year and sits inside the peak window of June, July and August.

What month is best for dragonflies in Pennsylvania?+

June is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through June, July and August, based on 32,494 verified observations.

Which dragonflies are you most likely to see in Pennsylvania?+

The most-recorded species in Pennsylvania are Ebony Jewelwing, Common Whitetail and Blue Dasher, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.