Best Time to See Monarch Butterflies in West Virginia
August, September and July is the best time to see monarch butterflies in West Virginia. Based on 1,399 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when monarch butterflies are most active across the year in West Virginia.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
1,399 verified observations of monarch butterflies in West Virginia, recorded across 8 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When monarch butterflies are recorded in West Virginia
Peak month
August
543 records (38.8% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 0 | 0% |
| April | 4 | 0.3% |
| May | 26 | 1.9% |
| June | 76 | 5.4% |
| Julypeak | 217 | 15.5% |
| Augustpeak | 543 | 38.8% |
| Septemberpeak | 433 | 31% |
| October | 92 | 6.6% |
| November | 8 | 0.6% |
| December | 0 | 0% |
Monarch Butterflies you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Monarch | 1,399 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in West Virginia
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 57 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 41°F | 26°F | 4.8" |
| Feb | 46°F | 28°F | 5.5" |
| Mar | 54°F | 34°F | 4.5" |
| Apr | 61°F | 41°F | 4.4" |
| May | 69°F | 51°F | 6.5" |
| Jun | 76°F | 59°F | 5.3" |
| Julbest time | 81°F | 65°F | 5.1" |
| Augbest time | 78°F | 63°F | 4.9" |
| Sepbest time | 74°F | 57°F | 3.5" |
| Oct | 64°F | 48°F | 4.1" |
| Nov | 52°F | 35°F | 2.9" |
| Dec | 46°F | 31°F | 4.9" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for West Virginia. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on monarch butterflies in West Virginia:
Sightings of monarch butterflies in West Virginia peak in August, when 543 of the year's 1,399 verified observations are logged — about 38.8% of the annual total. Activity stays high through August, September and July.
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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Bluestone National Scenic River — National Scenic River
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Chesapeake Bay
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- New River Gorge National Park & Preserve — National Park & Preserve
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see monarch butterflies in West Virginia?+
August is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through August, September and July, based on 1,399 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are monarch butterflies hardest to see in West Virginia?+
January is the quietest month for monarch butterflies in West Virginia, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are monarch butterflies active year-round in West Virginia?+
Monarch butterflies are recorded in 8 of 12 months in West Virginia, concentrated around August and September.
More places to see monarch butterflies
More wildlife in West Virginia