Best Time to See Monarch Butterflies in Texas
October, April and November is the best time to see monarch butterflies in Texas. Based on 52,985 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when monarch butterflies are most active across the year in Texas.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
52,985 verified observations of monarch butterflies in Texas, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When monarch butterflies are recorded in Texas
Peak month
October
17,674 records (33.4% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 941 | 1.8% |
| February | 544 | 1% |
| March | 3,910 | 7.4% |
| Aprilpeak | 7,857 | 14.8% |
| May | 4,073 | 7.7% |
| June | 1,431 | 2.7% |
| July | 1,346 | 2.5% |
| August | 1,804 | 3.4% |
| September | 4,863 | 9.2% |
| Octoberpeak | 17,674 | 33.4% |
| Novemberpeak | 6,411 | 12.1% |
| December | 2,131 | 4% |
Monarch Butterflies you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Monarch | 52,985 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Texas
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when monarch butterflies are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for monarch butterflies sit around 48 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 60°F | 39°F | 0.9" |
| Feb | 60°F | 38°F | 1" |
| Mar | 71°F | 49°F | 1.7" |
| Aprbest time | 78°F | 56°F | 1.6" |
| May | 85°F | 64°F | 5.1" |
| Jun | 93°F | 72°F | 1.7" |
| Jul | 96°F | 75°F | 0.9" |
| Aug | 96°F | 75°F | 1.2" |
| Sep | 89°F | 69°F | 1.7" |
| Octbest time | 80°F | 58°F | 2" |
| Novbest time | 67°F | 48°F | 1.1" |
| Dec | 64°F | 44°F | 1.2" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Texas. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on monarch butterflies in Texas:
Sightings of monarch butterflies in Texas peak in October, when 17,674 of the year's 52,985 verified observations are logged — about 33.4% of the annual total. Activity stays high through October, April and November.
The quietest stretch is February, when monarch butterflies are hardest to find — February sees just 544 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The monarch butterflies you are most likely to encounter in Texas are Monarch — 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 monarch butterflies in Texas
- Amistad National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Big Bend National Park — National Park
- Big Thicket National Preserve — National Preserve
- Chamizal National Memorial — National Memorial
- Fort Davis National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park — National Park
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see monarch butterflies in Texas?+
October is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through October, April and November, based on 52,985 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are monarch butterflies hardest to see in Texas?+
February is the quietest month for monarch butterflies in Texas, with only 544 verified records.
Are monarch butterflies active year-round in Texas?+
Monarch butterflies are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Texas, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in October.
More places to see monarch butterflies
More wildlife in Texas