Monarch Butterflies in South Carolina in May
Yes, May is a good month to see monarch butterflies in South Carolina. It is the 4th busiest month of the year, with 187 of the 1,991 sightings logged across the year (9.4%), 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 South Carolina
9.4%
of yearly sightings
187
records in May
#4
busiest month of 12
1,991
verified records a year
April 7.2%, May 9.4%, June 4.3%. Busiest month is October at 27.4%.
1,991 verified observations of monarch butterflies in South Carolina, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When monarch butterflies are recorded in South Carolina
Peak month
October
545 records (27.4% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 17 | 0.9% |
| February | 6 | 0.3% |
| March | 22 | 1.1% |
| April | 143 | 7.2% |
| May | 187 | 9.4% |
| June | 85 | 4.3% |
| July | 66 | 3.3% |
| Augustpeak | 298 | 15% |
| Septemberpeak | 409 | 20.5% |
| Octoberpeak | 545 | 27.4% |
| November | 173 | 8.7% |
| December | 40 | 2% |
Monarch Butterflies you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Monarch | 1,991 |
In South Carolina, May carries 9.4% of the year's monarch butterflies sightings, about 1.1 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 (7.2%) into May, and it heads toward June (4.3%) after. The busiest month is October (27.4%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The monarch butterflies most often recorded in South 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
- Monarch1,991 records
Plan your monarch butterfly trip in South Carolina
Start with live tours near Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
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 Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best monarch butterfly viewing area in South Carolina.
Viator
Broader backupBook a monarch butterfly tour in South 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 South Carolina in May?+
Yes. May accounts for 187 of the 1,991 verified monarch butterflies sightings logged in South Carolina across the year, which is 9.4% of the annual total.
Is May a good time to see monarch butterflies in South Carolina?+
May is the 4th busiest month. It is workable, though October and September is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for monarch butterflies in South Carolina?+
October is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through October, September and August, based on 1,991 verified observations.
Which monarch butterflies are you most likely to see in South Carolina?+
The most-recorded species in South Carolina are Monarch, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See monarch butterflies in South Carolina in other months
More wildlife in South Carolina