Best Time to See Dragonflies in Tennessee
June, July and August is the best time to see dragonflies in Tennessee. Based on 23,330 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when dragonflies are most active across the year in Tennessee.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Prince Baskettail · John Rosford CC BY
Blue-faced Meadowhawk · Melissa McMasters CC BY
Ebony Jewelwing · Cole Shoemaker CC BY
23,330 verified observations of dragonflies in Tennessee, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When dragonflies are recorded in Tennessee
Peak month
June
6,234 records (26.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 17 | 0.1% |
| February | 36 | 0.2% |
| March | 290 | 1.2% |
| April | 2,187 | 9.4% |
| May | 3,619 | 15.5% |
| Junepeak | 6,234 | 26.7% |
| Julypeak | 4,694 | 20.1% |
| Augustpeak | 3,653 | 15.7% |
| September | 1,997 | 8.6% |
| October | 458 | 2% |
| November | 116 | 0.5% |
| December | 29 | 0.1% |
Dragonflies you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Common Whitetail | 2,515 |
| Ebony Jewelwing | 2,032 |
| Eastern Pondhawk | 1,657 |
| Blue Dasher | 1,504 |
| Fragile Forktail | 969 |
| Widow Skimmer | 968 |
| Blue-fronted Dancer | 911 |
| Slaty Skimmer | 762 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Tennessee
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 65 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 49°F | 33°F | 6" |
| Feb | 54°F | 36°F | 7.3" |
| Mar | 62°F | 42°F | 7.5" |
| Apr | 68°F | 48°F | 4.7" |
| May | 77°F | 58°F | 5.3" |
| Junbest time | 84°F | 65°F | 6.2" |
| Julbest time | 87°F | 70°F | 7.4" |
| Augbest time | 86°F | 69°F | 8.3" |
| Sep | 82°F | 64°F | 3.2" |
| Oct | 72°F | 53°F | 4.8" |
| Nov | 59°F | 41°F | 2.9" |
| Dec | 54°F | 38°F | 5.9" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Tennessee. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of dragonflies in Tennessee peak in June, when 6,234 of the year's 23,330 verified observations are logged — about 26.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, July and August.
The quietest stretch is January, when dragonflies are hardest to find — January sees just 17 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 Tennessee are Common Whitetail, Ebony Jewelwing and Eastern Pondhawk — 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 Tennessee
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area — National River & Recreation Area
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park — National Park
- Natchez Trace Parkway — Parkway
- Obed Wild & Scenic River — Wild & Scenic River
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see dragonflies in Tennessee?+
June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, July and August, based on 23,330 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are dragonflies hardest to see in Tennessee?+
January is the quietest month for dragonflies in Tennessee, with only 17 verified records.
Are dragonflies active year-round in Tennessee?+
Dragonflies are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Tennessee, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in June.
More places to see dragonflies
More wildlife in Tennessee