Best Time to See Monarch Butterflies in Utah
August, July and September is the best time to see monarch butterflies in Utah. Based on 1,370 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when monarch butterflies are most active across the year in Utah.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
1,370 verified observations of monarch butterflies in Utah, recorded across 9 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When monarch butterflies are recorded in Utah
Peak month
August
404 records (29.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 0 | 0% |
| April | 5 | 0.4% |
| May | 30 | 2.2% |
| June | 188 | 13.7% |
| Julypeak | 330 | 24.1% |
| Augustpeak | 404 | 29.5% |
| Septemberpeak | 292 | 21.3% |
| October | 108 | 7.9% |
| November | 12 | 0.9% |
| December | 1 | 0.1% |
Monarch Butterflies you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Monarch | 1,370 |
Sightings of monarch butterflies in Utah peak in August, when 404 of the year's 1,370 verified observations are logged — about 29.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through August, July and September.
The quietest stretch is January, February and March, when monarch butterflies are hardest to find — no verified records exist for January. 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 Utah 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 Utah
- Bryce Canyon National Park — National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park — National Park
- Cedar Breaks National Monument — National Monument
- Dinosaur National Monument — National Monument
- Zion National Park — National Park
- Arches National Park — National Park
Plan your monarch butterfly trip in Utah
Start with live tours near Bryce Canyon National Park, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Bryce Canyon National Park
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main monarch butterfly viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Bryce Canyon National Park
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best monarch butterfly viewing area in Utah.
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Broader backupBook a monarch butterfly tour in Utah
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see monarch butterflies in Utah?+
August is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through August, July and September, based on 1,370 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are monarch butterflies hardest to see in Utah?+
January is the quietest month for monarch butterflies in Utah, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are monarch butterflies active year-round in Utah?+
Monarch butterflies are recorded in 9 of 12 months in Utah, concentrated around August and July.
More wildlife in Utah