Best Time to See Monarch Butterflies in Vermont
August, September and July is the best time to see monarch butterflies in Vermont. Based on 7,188 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when monarch butterflies are most active across the year in Vermont.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
7,188 verified observations of monarch butterflies in Vermont, recorded across 9 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When monarch butterflies are recorded in Vermont
Peak month
August
2,679 records (37.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 1 | 0% |
| April | 3 | 0% |
| May | 14 | 0.2% |
| June | 157 | 2.2% |
| Julypeak | 1,791 | 24.9% |
| Augustpeak | 2,679 | 37.3% |
| Septemberpeak | 2,125 | 29.6% |
| October | 400 | 5.6% |
| November | 18 | 0.3% |
| December | 0 | 0% |
Monarch Butterflies you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Monarch | 7,188 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Vermont
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 51 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27°F | 10°F | 3.3" |
| Feb | 29°F | 10°F | 3" |
| Mar | 39°F | 20°F | 2.8" |
| Apr | 50°F | 32°F | 4.3" |
| May | 63°F | 43°F | 3.3" |
| Jun | 72°F | 53°F | 4" |
| Julbest time | 77°F | 60°F | 6.2" |
| Augbest time | 75°F | 58°F | 4.1" |
| Sepbest time | 68°F | 51°F | 3.4" |
| Oct | 57°F | 41°F | 5.1" |
| Nov | 42°F | 26°F | 3.3" |
| Dec | 34°F | 20°F | 4.5" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Vermont. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on monarch butterflies in Vermont:
Sightings of monarch butterflies in Vermont peak in August, when 2,679 of the year's 7,188 verified observations are logged — about 37.3% of the annual total. Activity stays high through August, September and July.
The quietest stretch is January, February and December, 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 Vermont 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 Vermont
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Marsh - Billings - Rockefeller National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- North Country National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see monarch butterflies in Vermont?+
August is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through August, September and July, based on 7,188 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are monarch butterflies hardest to see in Vermont?+
January is the quietest month for monarch butterflies in Vermont, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are monarch butterflies active year-round in Vermont?+
Monarch butterflies are recorded in 9 of 12 months in Vermont, concentrated around August and September.
More places to see monarch butterflies
More wildlife in Vermont