Best Time to See Dragonflies in Washington
July, June and August is the best time to see dragonflies in Washington. Based on 24,906 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when dragonflies are most active across the year in Washington.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
24,906 verified observations of dragonflies in Washington, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When dragonflies are recorded in Washington
Peak month
July
6,988 records (28.1% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 9 | 0% |
| February | 6 | 0% |
| March | 28 | 0.1% |
| April | 581 | 2.3% |
| May | 3,252 | 13.1% |
| Junepeak | 5,553 | 22.3% |
| Julypeak | 6,988 | 28.1% |
| Augustpeak | 4,892 | 19.6% |
| September | 2,476 | 9.9% |
| October | 979 | 3.9% |
| November | 129 | 0.5% |
| December | 13 | 0.1% |
Dragonflies you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Pacific Forktail | 2,598 |
| Eight-spotted Skimmer | 2,046 |
| Blue Dasher | 1,490 |
| Tule Bluet | 1,166 |
| Cardinal Meadowhawk | 1,109 |
| Striped Meadowhawk | 1,049 |
| Blue-eyed Darner | 964 |
| Western Pondhawk | 868 |
Sightings of dragonflies in Washington peak in July, when 6,988 of the year's 24,906 verified observations are logged — about 28.1% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, June and August.
The quietest stretch is February and January, when dragonflies are hardest to find — February sees just 6 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 Washington are Pacific Forktail, Eight-spotted Skimmer and Blue Dasher — 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 Washington
- Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve — National Historical Reserve
- Fort Vancouver National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Lewis and Clark National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Mount Rainier National Park — National Park
- Nez Perce National Historical Park — National Historical Park
Tours and experiences nearby
Booking.com
Stay near Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best dragonfly viewing in Washington.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see dragonflies in Washington?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, June and August, based on 24,906 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are dragonflies hardest to see in Washington?+
February is the quietest month for dragonflies in Washington, with only 6 verified records.
Are dragonflies active year-round in Washington?+
Dragonflies are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Washington, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in July.
More places to see dragonflies
More wildlife in Washington